West Brom reportedly plan to offer goalkeeper Sam Johnstone a new and improved contract, according to The Sun on Sunday (8th August, page 67).
What’s the story?
Johnstone has been with West Brom since 2018, and has gone on to make 131 appearances in total for the Baggies’ first-team.
The shot-stopper made 37 league appearances for West Brom last term, although his efforts weren’t enough to see them avoid relegation back into the Championship after a brief spell in the top-flight.
But it appeared as though his strong showings didn’t go unnoticed, with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur both previously being keen on reaching an agreement to sign the 28-year-old.
The Sun on Sunday claim that West Brom are set to offer Johnstone a new and improved contract amid interest from other clubs, as they look to keep him at The Hawthorns.
‘Diamond’
Johnstone has been a rare bright spark in a tricky few seasons with the Baggies, and it’s not surprising to see other clubs keen on reaching an agreement with the 28-year-old.
The goalkeeper will have to think carefully about his next destination though, as there’s no guarantee that he’d get the regular minutes he’s getting with West Brom.
Johnstone had an average Whoscored rating of 6.74 from the 2020/21 season and will be hoping he can have his future resolved at the earliest of opportunities.
He was an unused substitute for their season opener against Bournemouth but will be keen to be involved in their next match against Luton Town on Saturday 14th August.
Steve Bruce labelled Johnstone as a ‘diamond’ for his performance for Aston Villa, whilst on loan with the club back in 2017.
“We all knew he was a top class goalkeeper and he’s looking the part now. He’s a diamond – first in, last out. He’s a typical goalkeeper who wants to learn.”
It will have been a no-brainer for West Brom to try and tie Johnstone down to a new contract, as they’ll be keen to have players that are fully committed to the cause this term, as they look to win promotion back into the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Having his future resolved before the close of the summer transfer window would be ideal for the Baggies as well, as they won’t be concerned about potentially losing him in the winter transfer window in the New Year.
If they were to strike an agreement to tie Johnstone down to a new contract, then it would be a real statement of intent by Valerien Ismael’s side this summer. Offering Johnstone the deal is an absolute no-brainer, now they need to convince him to sign it.
AND in other news, this player had an absolute shocker as West Brom faltered on the opening day