Kevin Phillips: Sam Johnstone value going up £1m every good performance for West Brom
We’re delighted to welcome former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at The Hawthorns…
Sam Johnstone’s value is on the rise, according to former West Brom striker Kevin Phillips.
The 28-year-old has been phenomenal for the Baggies this season despite no goalkeeper conceding more goals than he has in the Premier League.
He’s made the most saves in Europe’s top-five leagues and also faced the most shots [Wyscout]. However, he also has a prevented goals figure of 3.56, which is ninth-best in the Premier League.
Johnstone has been linked with a move away from The Hawthorns in the summer as he’ll enter the final year of his contract and the Albion seem likely to be relegated.
The Athletic has reported that the ex-Aston Villa loanee could be valued between £7.5million and £10million but Phillips believes that price-tag could be on the rise every time he plays well.
“Everyone knows him now. He’s been in the England squad and he’s putting in solid performances,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“We’ve spoken highly of him all season, he’s probably been their outstanding player.
“I wouldn’t say [his price-tag] is going up dramatically but you kind of think every performance he puts in like that, it’s going up a million probably every game.
“He’s been outstanding.”
Johnstone has pulled off some stunning saves this season.
Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City have all seen themselves held to draws against West Brom thanks to the form of the Albion number one.
If we’re relegated this season, we understand that Johnstone is likely to move on and we accept that too.
He’s shown himself to be a top-class Premier League goalkeeper and he deserves to stay in the top-flight.
In other West Brom news, Keith Hackett wants a key official sacked after the controversy in the win against Southampton.
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