Alex Mowatt ‘buzzing’ after West Brom teammate transfer news
Alex Mowatt is among several West Brom players hoping to hit the ground running under new head coach Ryan Mason.
The Baggies officially kicked off their pre-season last week when they drew 1-1 against Ukrainian champions Dynamo Kiev in Austria, courtesy of a headed goal from new signing Nat Phillips.
Pre-season will continue on Saturday (July 19) as West Brom take on Steve Bruce’s Blackpool at Bloomfield Road.
Mowatt shares pleasure at Johnston stay
West Brom had looked to have sanctioned the sale of winger Mikey Johnston earlier in the window, following news that a £5million deal had been agreed with Brazilian club Flamengo.
The Irishman was reportedly due to undergo a medical in Rio de Janeiro before the move collapsed just days later.
But in what became a messy situation, conflicting reports emerged – with some suggesting Johnston had failed a medical, while others claiming that Flamengo had pulled out of the deal due to fan backlash.
Ultimately, it turned out that the Brazilian club had never agreed a deal with the winger, who is said to be very happy in the West Midlands.
| Mikey Johnston | West Brom (2024-25) |
| Appearances | 61 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 7 |
Midfielder Mowatt told Express and Star (July 18) that the West Brom squad are “buzzing” that Johnston is set to stay at The Hawthorns.
“Firstly I’m buzzing that Mikey is back,” Mowatt said. “He’s a great player and one of my closest friends in the team. So I’m happy he’s back.
“But I think as long as he’s a West Brom player, he will always give it everything.
“I think he will always excite fans. So we’re buzzing that he’s here and hopefully he stays here. “I think Mikey is one of those players who is a massive confidence player.
“That first spell, when he came on loan, that confidence was so high. Every shot went in. It went really well for him. I’m hoping he can hit the ground running that season, hit that form and the confidence comes out.”
West Brom fans will share squad confidence
Reactions to Johnston’s move were mixed when the news first emerged. Some fans were pleased by the reported fee, while others had their doubts about letting the winger leave.
But following news that Johnston will stay, West Brom fans will be collectively excited to see the former Celtic man in action under Mason.
The Englishman is hoping to deploy more attack-minded tactics at The Hawthorns, and Johnston should be among those to benefit.
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