Luke Hatfield: West Brom will consider £15m-£20m for Sam Johnstone
West Ham will have to pay a fee in the region of £20million if they are to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
The Hammers are looking to sign a keeper this summer and the England international has been one of the players previously linked with him.
However, in order to sign him, the London outfit will have to loosen the purse strings as West Brom, despite their relegation, are looking to make a decent profit from the player’s sale.
Speaking to Football FanCast, Express and Star journalist Luke Hatfield said, “£15 to £20million [offer], maybe they’ll consider it. Albion may rate him higher than that, but with one year left on your contract, you’re in a sticky situation.”
Tad expensive
Johnstone is undoubtedly a solid keeper who earned his place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad.
On last season’s form alone, one could’ve made the argument of him starting ahead of Jordan Pickford, but the England head coach stuck with his tried and tested first-choice goalkeeper.
West Brom’s relegation certainly opened the door for Johnstone’s exit. While the Baggies would like to retain his services, new manager Valerien Ismael admitted the player is likely to leave this summer. [BBC]
Lukasz Fabianski is 36 and isn’t getting any better. Johnstone, who is eight years his junior is in a position to take over the gloves from the Poland international.
Whether or not Fabianski has another year as the first choice remains to be seen, but Johnstone’s arrival would certainly give David Moyes a major selection dilemma.
If we’re able to drive down his price to under £15million then it would be considered a good value-for-money signing.
Johnstone’s got just one year left on his deal so the Baggies know that this summer is the ideal time to cash in on him.
In other West Ham news, ‘Ridiculous’, ‘Pay him’ – West Ham Super Fans react to new contract update on Declan Rice
Be sure to follow West Ham Zone on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Hammers and more exclusive interviews with Frank McAvennie.