Don Goodman excited by Mikey Johnston news at West Brom
Don Goodman is not surprised to see Mikey Johnston back at West Brom and believes it is an exciting transfer for both parties.
The Baggies signed Johnston from Celtic on a permanent deal at the end of the summer transfer window following a successful spell on loan in the second half of last season.
Johnston was linked with multiple Championship clubs, but in the end West Brom won the race for his signature in a reported £3million deal [BBC Sport, 30 August].
Speaking to West Brom News, Goodman said: “I’m not really surprised at that deal. It became clear at Celtic than Brendan Rodgers preferred other players in the squad so it made sense for Celtic to get some sort of fee.
“It is not an insignificant amount of money to pay, particularly in Scottish football and especially in the Championship. It’s about the right amount for both clubs.
“Mikey was a breath of fresh air when he came in last season, really getting fans out of their seats. I wouldn’t have thought any Premier League clubs would be sniffing around for him, with the greatest of respect, so it was a case of what was best for him in terms of a Championship club, and West Brom are up there with the best options.
“It’s a club he knows and feels loved at, so why wouldn’t you go back? It’s a match made in heaven in terms of the ambition to have a positive season and replicate a top-six finish or better. It’s a move I’d be very excited about.”
West Brom land a bargain with Mikey Johnston deal
It looked more and more likely that Johnston would end up elsewhere as the days ticked down towards transfer deadline day, but Albion managed to get a deal over the line.
After spending pennies – or nothing at all – across the past few windows, it was nice to see the club splash out big on a new player.
The advantage of signing Johnston is that he already knows the club and will take next time to no time to settle in.
While it is true the attacker went off the boil slightly in the final throes of last season, he still made quite the impact.
The hope now is that, over the course of an entire season, he can better the seven goals and two assists he registered in 20 Championship appearances in the second half of last season.
If he can do that, you would fancy the Baggies’ chances of once again finishing in the play-off spots come May.
In other West Brom news, Corberan has shared a Jayson Molumby injury update ahead of the Portsmouth match.
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