Newcastle want to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, priority could change – report
West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is wanted by Newcastle as they prioritise a transfer for a new goalkeeper this summer, according to The Athletic.
The Baggies stopper is due to be out of contract at the end of the current season and is not expected to renew his deal before then, meaning he can leave for free.
This has alerted several Premier League clubs, with Newcastle including him on their shortlist for a new goalkeeper alongside the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Bernd Leno, Dean Henderson and other Europe-based players.
The Athletic say that the Magpies were interested in loaning a goalkeeper during January, although it wasn’t a priority.
However that could now change in the summer, with current number one Martin Dubravka now 33 and the futures of Karl Darlow, Mark Gillespie and Freddie Woodman uncertain.
Shame
It’s a shame to see Johnstone leave The Hawthorns in the way that he is set to, but nobody can say they didn’t see it coming.
In fact, the fact that he stayed for another season after our relegation last season deserves praise because his stock was high and there was certainly interest.
But his performances this season haven’t been at their usual level, and it’s hard to believe that isn’t because he simply has already had his head turned elsewhere.
The Baggies need to rebuild next season after failing to earn promotion this year and without him, they’ll need a brand new and established number one between the sticks.
With no money coming in for him it’ll be hard, but they’ll likely save a tonne on his wages and it’s another drama they can put behind them and move on from finally after a long, hard campaign.
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