Sam Johnstone set to return to West Brom starting XI
West Brom are set to restore Sam Johnstone to their starting XI for the home game against Luton Town this weekend, according to the Daily Mail.
The England international was an unused substitute for the Championship opener against Bournemouth, with head coach Valerien Ismael opting for David Button in goal.
Johnstone, 28, is out of contract next summer but suitors have not been able to meet West Brom’s demands and the club now want him to stay and sign a new deal amid the fear of losing him for free at the end of the season.
The Baggies are willing to include a manageable release clause to guarantee a transfer fee if he leaves next summer.
Smart move
Button was brilliant in the 2-2 draw against the Cherries last week, but we cannot deny the fact that Johnstone is the better goalie.
There is a reason why he plays for the Three Lions, and having him back in the starting line-up comes as a huge boost to our promotion chances.
With roughly some two weeks left in the summer transfer window, anything can still happen right until the curtains are drawn on businesses for the year, and we would really love for him to seal a dream return to the Premier League.
However, with nothing guaranteed, returning him to the team makes sense, and sealing immediate promotion at the end of the campaign would be perfect.
What that would mean to his international career remains unknown, though, but given that Kalvin Phillips started playing for Gareth Southgate’s side when Leeds United were still in the Championship could mean that the West Brom star still has a chance of retaining his place in the national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Johnstone’s primary target will be to impress again this season regardless of which division he is playing in, and it will be up to England to make a decision next summer.
In other West Brom news, the Baggies want to sign CONCACAF Gold Cup winner with club open to offers.
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