Joseph Masi: ‘Massive’ for West Brom if they can keep hold of Johnstone
West Brom face a crucial transfer window this summer and Express and Star journalist Joseph Masi believes Sam Johnstone is attracting suitors.
The 27-year-old has just over a year remaining on his contract and that could persuade Albion to cash in.
He has been linked with the likes of Brighton and Leeds in recent months [The Sun] and recently told The Athletic that he is keen to remain in the Premier League.
Masi thinks holding on to him would be brilliant for West Brom, but hinted that his strong performances have led clubs to sit up and take notice.
He said on the Baggies Broadcast podcast, “You’ve got to move when your stock is high, I think. And I don’t see how it’s going to be any higher, really, than it is now. He has been outstanding.
“I think his performances have been so eye-catching that a lot of people will have taken note, but if he spends another year in the Championship, I’m not sure he will be on everyone’s radar as much.
“But it’ll be massive for Albion if we can keep him, absolutely massive.”
Keeping hold of key stars
West Brom seem to be heading for the Championship and the club must to everything it can to keep our key players.
We failed to do that the last time we were relegated as Salomon Rondon, Ben Foster and Johnny Evans all departed The Hawthorns.
This time round we must persuade Matheus Pereira and Johnstone to stay – they could play a vital part in getting us back up.
The latter has made the most saves in the Premier League this season with 112, and has won numerous plaudits in the process.
Glenn Hoddle told the Evening Standard that Johnstone is good enough for a top-six club and wants Tottenham to make a move for him.
That underlines his class, and with Sam Allardyce in charge we would be a tough team to score against in the Championship next season.
In other West Brom news, View: Chris Brunt appointment could change course of 24y/o’s West Brom season.
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