Kevin Phillips baffled by Valerien Ismael contract update on Sam Johnstone
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 can’t get his head around why West Brom won’t try to sort out Sam Johnstone’s contract before the January transfer window opens.
Johnstone, 28, will be a free agent next summer unless he pens new terms at The Hawthorns.
Once January comes around, clubs from outside of England will be able to approach the England goalkeeper with a pre-contract offer.
However, speaking earlier this week, Albion boss Valerien Ismael revealed he’s “not worried” about Johnstone’s contract situation and said that discussions over a new deal won’t intensify until January [Express & Star].
Ismael’s reasoning behind that is because West Brom are “all focused on the pitch, on the performances”. Of course, Albion will have more matches to play in January than they have done in any month of the season to date.
Ex-Baggies striker Phillips is baffled by the stance.
He said to West Brom News: “I don’t know why it has to be in January.
“We’re not privy to what’s going on behind the scenes but maybe it’s so that he doesn’t lose concentration but I would be [sorting it now].
“The player doesn’t even need to be involved in negotiations. Nowadays, the agent gets it done and get it tied up before January comes because I would imagine then clubs will want to talk to him.
“Why let it go until January when he could possibly go and talk to other people and get his head turned?
“I’d like to see that get tied up now so he’s on a decent contract and is there for a while. It is a bit strange but hopefully, it’ll get ironed out and he’ll sign.”
In other West Brom news, Neil Lennon was thrilled with this Albion fringe player in the win over Hull.
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