West Ham-linked Sam Johnstone in major bust-up with West Brom manager Valerien Ismael
Sam Johnstone has had huge bust-up with West Brom manager Valerien Ismael amid speculation linking him with a move to West Ham, according to The Athletic.
Johnstone, 28, was left out of West Brom’s squad for their 2-0 defeat to Preston last night [26 January] despite being available after serving a three-match ban.
It is understood that the England goalkeeper had “an angry exchange” with Ismael after being told that David Button was going to start in goals over him against Preston, leading to the ex-Manchester United man being left out altogether.
The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley wrote: “Johnstone reacted angrily, not least as he believed other players in Ismael’s squad had been recalled immediately after suspensions or injuries earlier this season despite their understudies doing well in their place.
“What followed was a row between the pair that resulted in Johnstone being removed from the match-day squad entirely rather than taking a place among the substitutes on Wednesday night, as Ismael had intended.”
It is understood that Johnstone also has a “nagging suspicion that Ismael would like him to leave in the final days of the transfer window”.
West Ham and Southampton are reportedly the two main suitors for Johnstone.
Late deal?
West Ham fans may look at the speculation surrounding Johnstone and feel that David Moyes’ goalkeeper options are fine.
However, that might not be the case come next season.
Lukasz Fabianski’s contract has been extended until the summer of 2023 and that decreases the chances of Alphonse Areola becoming the new number one at the London Stadium.
Areola joined us on a loan-to-buy deal from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer bu the Frenchman hasn’t asserted himself as the first-choice goalkeeper in East London.
Fabianski has kept his spot and Claret & Hugh reports that a new deal for the experienced Pole may lead to Areola considering his options before signing a permanent contract.
What now could happen is that West Ham could sign Johnstone, whose West Brom contract expires in the summer, on a cheap deal right now or wait until the summer until he’s a free agent.
If Areola goes – or already doesn’t want to stay – Johnstone would be an ideal replacement.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have tabled a bid to sign this £16.8million-rated defender.