West Brom could cash in on Sam Johnstone in January
An offer approaching £10million could see West Brom cash in on goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in January, according to the Daily Mail.
Johnstone, 28, has been attracting Premier League interest for the past year after some impressive performances in Albion’s unsuccessful fight against relegation in the top-tier that earned him a call-up to the England national team for the summer European Championship.
He has played three times under Gareth Southgate this year and remains a key performer for his club side.
However, his contract expires next summer and the West Midlands outfit could be forced into selling him during the January transfer window if they receive a sizeable offer.
West Brom could still look to extend Johnstone’s deal but he could earn much more elsewhere.
Risky?
Given his status as an England international, Johnstone is firmly in demand among Premier League clubs who are eyeing a bargain deal for a top-flight proven goalkeeper who still has many years left ahead of him.
On his part, it would be no treacherous act to pursue a move elsewhere in 2022 after four years at The Hawthorns.
However, can Albion afford to let him go in January, given their current standing in the Championship table?
Automatic promotion is still within their grasp but as the weeks go by it appears more unlikely as Bournemouth and Fulham get set to pull away at the top.
Therefore, Albion could be forced into the play-off lottery, and that could see them potentially miss out on an instant return to the Premier League.
The club now needs to weigh up whether they go for it and keep Johnstone in order to maintain the best squad possible, or net a decent fee for someone who is likely to leave a few months later for nothing.
A January sale would likely see David Button handed responsibilities for the rest of the season, and that could be a big risk.
In other West Brom news, a reliable journalist has suggested Albion may make a major move in January amid huge player developments.
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