West Brom Super Fans react to Sam Johnstone valuation amid Arsenal interest
This is part of a regular series from our panel of West Brom Super Fans. Each week, Super Fans from our West Brom News Facebook page will deliver their verdicts on the biggest talking points and news stories around The Hawthorns.
–––––––––––––––––
There has been a mixed reaction among fans to a report that West Brom would accept around £20million for Sam Johnstone this summer.
The Daily Star claimed on Saturday night [03/07/21] that Arsenal had identified the 28-year-old as a target this summer, if a move for Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale proves too expensive.
According to the newspaper, the Gunners have been encouraged in their pursuit of Johnstone after learning Albion are willing to do business for around £20million.
This would make the England international Albion’s record outgoing transfer, with the club’s current record sale standing at £16.5million following Salomon Rondon’s move to Chinese side Dalian Professional [transfermarkt].
We asked our panel of Super Fans what they thought of a potential deal and Albion’s valuation of Johnstone.
Here’s what they had to say….
Fair fee?
Johnstone only has a year left on his contract, so we can’t exactly be asking for obscene amounts of money.
The argument is true that he is now an established Premier League performer after a solid season for Albion, despite our relegation back to the Championship.
His England debut and subsequent involvement in Euro 2020 has also surely driven the price up somewhat.
But he will be free to speak to clubs over a free transfer in less than six months ahead of a lucrative move, so it would be wise to cash in now unless he agrees to a new deal.
£20million sounds like a fair deal to us as long as the majority of it is reinvested.
There is a strong roster of goalkeepers at the club with the likes of Alex Palmer and David Button, so the money can be reinvested into other areas.
In other West Brom news, Albion held June transfer talks over a return for this fans favourite.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.