talkSPORT journalist: West Brom could cash in on Sam Johnstone in January as Premier League duo circle
Sam Johnstone is “readily available” as Premier League clubs keep tabs on the West Brom goalkeeper ahead of the January transfer window.
That’s according to talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook, who told talkSPORT on Wednesday (8 December) that Albion could cash in on the 28-year-old in January, with Southampton firmly in the hunt.
“A new goalkeeper would possibly be near the top of their shopping list, and the one who would seem to be readily available is Sam Johnstone at West Brom,” he said.
“[He] nearly left in the summer and came close to joining Arsenal before they opted to sign Aaron Ramsdale.
“West Ham also keeping close tabs on Johnstone. Again, like [James] Tarkowski, [he’s] available for a free next summer so West Brom might well have to cash in, again that ball part figure of £10million that Simon [Jordan] mentioned would seem like good business for them.
“Sam Johnstone could well be a wanted man.”
Price of promotion
Cashing in on Johnstone, especially for anywhere in the region of £10million, looks like a great move on paper.
The England shot-stopper turns 29 before the 2021/22 campaign concludes and he can leave The Hawthorns for nothing in the summer of 2022.
He could even sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January.
Indeed, Albion already have two other senior goalkeepers on their books – David Button and Alex Palmer.
Button is 32-years-old and has significant experience in the Championship, playing for the likes of Fulham and Brentford, while Palmer, 25, enjoyed a brilliant season on loan at Lincoln City last term.
However, neither of those are near Johnstone’s level, and it’s unlikely the Baggies board would sanction an expensive replacement.
Therefore, the question is, how much would it impact their promotion chances?
Albion supporters would surely feel less confident without Johnstone, than with him.
In other West Brom news, Simon Jordan has launched into an on-air rant over a recent Albion controversy.
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