Albion will be back to a 12-week transfer window this summer.

That is in line with what happened before Covid, albeit moving the goalposts by a few weeks.

Last year the period for transactions was reduced to ten weeks as the close-season was shortened due to Covid.

This year’s 84-day window has been pushed back compared to 2019 to return to alignment with other European leagues.

The window will open on June 9 and close at 11pm on August 31.

Activity which takes place between those dates for Albion could see a significant further reduction in the links which remain with the set-up which tackled the club’s first two seasons in the Premier League.

Between those out of contract, out of favour or out on loan, eight players from two campaigns ago could be on their way as decks are cleared.

And that is without any big money move for Yves Bissouma.

The Seagulls are tantalisingly close to securing that fifth successive season among the elite.

They have got there with some of the key men of previous campaigns finding themselves, at best, on the fringes.

It would certainly appear Maty Ryan could depart the club one year before his current contract ends.

Suggestions continue that he will make his loan deal at Arsenal more permanent and he certainly seems to have settled at the Emirates.

Ryan enjoyed a first win and clean sheet with the club he supported as a boy as the Gunners won 2-0 at Newcastle at the weekend.

Almost as likely would appear the exit of midfielder Davy Propper, whose current deals runs until 2023.

Top clubs in the Netherlands have never totally taken their eyes off the international.

It is widely understood that PSV have been especially interested in his absence from the Albion team this season.

There have also been intermittent reports of continued Eredivisie interest in Alireza Jahanbakhsh during his stuttering career with Albion.

His situation is a little different to that of Ryan and Propper in that he has actually stayed and played.

But those late introductions off the bench are surely some way short of what he wants.

He showed up brightly to a degree when given a longer run than usual at Bramall Lane.

But whether Albion are getting value for money – and whether Jahanbakhsh is getting value for effort – from the way things are at the moment would appear doubtful.

It appears Jurgen Locadia has no future with Albion and a decision must be made on Jose Izquierdo as he runs out of contract.

Izquierdo has made it clear the aim for him is to play in the Premier League That would appear to hinge on whether Albion opt to give him an extra year to show what he can do within Graham Potter’s framework now he has won his long battle against injury.

Club Brugge remain keen on taking him back to Belgium.

Bernardo has a year left on his contract but has been out on loan at Red Bull Salzburg and, again, does not appear part of Potter’s plans.

Albion are known to be targeting a left wing-back and it is understood their search has taken in the Bundesliga in Germany.

But it would appear Bernardo is one who will move on.

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Florin Andone, like Izquierdo, has had to battle back from a long-term injury.

Unlike the Colombian, he has at least had a decent chance to show Potter what he can do – and perhaps did not do enough early last season.

The Romanian seems to have a keen following among Albion supporters.

It would have been interesting to see whether he was given a late-season chance by Potter had his comeback from major knee problems gone more smoothly.

A hamstring injury early in his comeback for the under-23s put that on hold and he could be another who is part of those comings and goings over 12 weeks.

The other one of those eight from two years ago?

Shane Duffy, still under contract for two more years and returning from a Celtic loan which fell some short of expectations.

There is far more to be done. Players coming back from loan like Taylor Richards and Jayson Molumby.

Those going out on such deals.

What is the next step for Moises Caicedo, Michal Karbownik or some of the leading under-23s?

Expert observer Warren Aspinall has been consistent on BBC Sussex in his thoughts that Aaron Connolly’s third senior season should at least start on loan at the top end of the Championship.

Despite the ups and downs, there is a player there - but with some polish required.

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Aspinall told the Albion Unlimited podcast this week: “If I was Aaron Connolly, I’d be saying to the gaffer I don’t want to be sub ten times out of 11 games and play one.

“I want to be playing week in and week out.

“I want to score goals, get my confidence up.

“I’d be telling my agent to ask the football club to see if they could get me out on loan to a Championship side and see where it takes us.

“I think he has got too much to learn.

“The lad has got pace, he has got power, he is strong. We have seen what he can do but it’s not on a consistent basis.”

Whether that happens or not, the annual summer hunt for goals will be on.

We have been there often, whatever the length of the window or its expiry date.

Last year the frontman was secured from free agency when the window had closed.

But there is a lot on the agenda for those 12 weeks as Albion’s playing staff continues to evolve.