Phillips: Dagger through the heart if Johnstone quits West Brom for Wolves
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…
Kevin Phillips believes it would be like a “dagger through the heart” if Sam Johnstone quits West Brom to join Wolves this summer.
After such an impressive season in the Premier League despite Albion’s relegation back to the Championship, Johnstone is attracting attention from a lot of top-flight clubs.
The Athletic has reported that the 28-year-old West Brom and England shot-stopper has emerged as a target for Wolves as they aim to improve their options in between the sticks.
According to the Daily Star, Arsenal are also interested in the £20million-rated former Manchester United player, who’s in the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns.
Phillips would not be shocked if Johnstone does move on this summer but he feels the goalkeeper may have to steer clear of West Bromwich if he does head to Wolverhampton.
Speaking to West Brom News, Super Kev said: “Would he go to their rivals? It would take a brave person.
“It’s been done before but I think it would be a big blow.
“Naturally, there’ll be Premier League club sniffing around as he was fantastic last season and he doesn’t let you down.
“It’ll be a dagger through the heart if he goes there.
“I’m not going to give him any advice but he might have to move away from the area if he does.
“But there’s no surprise if he leaves and of course, that’ll be a blow for West Brom supporters.
“You never know what will happen in football.”
Johnstone was an ever-present for the Baggies last season as he played in all but one of their Premier League matches – ironically the one he missed was the 3-2 win at Wolves in January.
His impressive form earned him a call-up to the England squad for the European Championships this summer.
Prior to the tournament, Johnstone produced a stunning save in England’s friendly win over Romania when he made his senior debut for the Three Lions.
In other West Brom news, Jake Livermore could lose the captain’s armband after what happened this week.
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