Johnston 'to star' for Ryan Mason after new transfer claim made
Mikey Johnson was subject to one of the strangest transfer sagas in recent memory.
The Hawthorns ace was reportedly set to move to Flamengo, with a £5million fee agreed on between the two clubs.
However, the move never materialised after apparent medical concerns and fan pressure made the Brazilian outfit pull out of the deal.
It was a shame for Johnson and Albion, as it would have been great for his career, and it would have benefited the club with Profit and Sustainability issues looming large.
Johnston stars as West Brom draw v Dynamo Kyiv
Johnston wasted no time getting back to action for Albion after the disappointment of his failed move to Brazil.
In the 1-1 draw with Dynamo Kyiv (11 July), he was introduced in the second half and his cross allowed Nat Phillips to nod the Baggies in front, although Vladyslav Vanat pulled them back.
The whole situation was messy and it would have been easy for the Irish international to down tools and sulk but he did the exact opposite.
talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook (12 July) reported that there was never a fee agreed between the clubs and no medical ever took place.
Mason will need Johnston next season
The reported fee would have given Ryan Mason more room to make signings in the transfer window, but he will be happy that he is sticking around.
The former Celtic man is one of the best players in the West Midlands when he is on form, and the ex-Tottenham coach needs him to step up next season.
The Black Country club are trying to secure promotion to the Premier League after a long absence, and Johnston offers a style of play that the Baggies lack in other areas.
The Irishman notched three goals and five assists in 40 Championship matches last time out and Mason could get the best out of him, due to the more attacking tactics that he will bring.
The player and Mason will hope that he can reach a mark nearer to the seven goals and two assists that he bagged in his initial loan spell with the Throstles.
Sign up for the West Brom News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking West Bromwich Albion news sent straight to your phone.