Sam Johnstone could leave West Brom in January after Valerien Ismael row – report
Sam Johnstone could leave West Brom before Monday’s transfer deadline after a furious row with manager Valerien Ismael, according to The Mirror.
Johnstone was left out of the Baggies squad entirely for their 2-0 defeat to Preston despite being available for selection following a three-game suspension.
It has emerged that the pair had a bust-up after Johnstone was told he wouldn’t be starting the game, with Ismael instead opting to drop him completely.
According to The Mirror, this has alerted Premier League clubs Southampton and West Ham to the situation and they could move for him before Monday’s deadline.
Johnstone is into the final six months of his contract with the club and there is no expectation that he will renew with the club and stay on beyond the summer [The Athletic].
Time to go
The fact Johnstone is still at the club is a miracle in itself, so it’s no shock that he could leave at the drop of a hat this month.
Ismael was trying to reward David Button for positive performances in Johnstone’s absence, but it has backfired and he could now lose the best ‘keeper in the league because of it.
For Johnstone, the time to go has arrived. He is 28-years-old and comfortably good enough to be playing Premier League football.
The Baggies had been desperate for him to renew but these latest developments are likely to have confirmed to him that a move away is best for him, regardless of whether Ismael stays on or not.
Albion fans can now expect plenty of speculation around his future over the next few days, and shouldn’t be shocked if he doesn’t wear the shirt again.
In other West Brom news, ‘Borrowed time’ – Chris Lepkowski suggests West Brom transfer business hinges on Ismael’s future