Kevin Phillips raves about Sam Johnstone with West Brom in talks over new deal
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 is thrilled by the news that goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is in talks over a new contract at West Brom.
Johnstone, 28, has been linked with a move away from The Hawthorns this summer as he’s in the final year of his deal with the Black Country club.
West Ham saw a bid worth £6million rejected earlier in the summer [Sky Sports] but since then, he’s been in training with the Baggies and even started against Luton Town on Saturday at The Hawthorns.
Speaking earlier this week, in his pre-match press conference before the Luton match, Valerien Ismael confirmed Albion were in talks with Johnstone over a new deal.
After hearing that news, Phillips was absolutely delighted and feels the ex-Manchester United goalkeeper will be massive for the Baggies in their bid to win promotion back to the Premier League.
“It’s like a new signing,” Phillips told West Brom News.
“Everyone thought he was going to move on with everyone expecting a bid to come in.
“He was outstanding last season and deserved to get in the England squad.
“If he’s to sign a new contract, that would be a massive boost for everyone concerned.
“Let’s hope he follows it up this season with the season he had last time out.
“I think he will because he’s a quality ‘keeper.
“That’s a huge, huge boost for the Baggies. Massive.”
Johnstone made more saves than any other goalkeeper in the Premier League last season before winning his debut England squad and a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships.
He was on the bench for the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last week but started versus Luton on Saturday with the shot-stopper now looking as though he may be Ismael’s number one all season.
In other West Brom news, Phillips has reacted to the news that Albion want to sign this attacker to replace Matheus Pereira.
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