Joseph Masi thinks now is the best time for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to move away from the club.
The 27-year-old has certainly had a tough season this year, conceding 54 goals in 27 games and only keeping five clean sheets, which has left West Brom staring down the barrel of being relegated back to the Championship after just one top-flight season.
Despite this, he still has plenty of admirers, with former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson recently stating that he is ‘knocking on the door’ to get himself in Gareth Southgate’s side for this summer’s European Championships.
And speaking on the latest edition of Baggies Broadcast, Masi claimed that this is arguably the best time for Johnstone, valued at £5.85m on Transfermarkt, to make a move, because he may not have a chance to showcase his skills like he has done this season for some time.
He said: “You’ve got to move when your stock is high, I think. And I don’t see how it’s going to be any higher, really, than it is now. He has been outstanding.
“I think his performances have been so eye-catching that a lot of people will have taken note, but if he spends another year in the Championship, I’m not sure he will be on everyone’s radar as much. But it’ll be massive for Albion if we can keep him, absolutely massive.”
Has Johnstone been West Brom's best player this season?
YES
NO
TIF Thoughts on Joseph Masi’s comments about Sam Johnstone…
Masi’s comments bring certain parallels to Jordan Pickford, who found himself in a similar position following Sunderland’s relegation in 2017. Despite conceding plenty of goals, his displays were enough to earn him a £30m move to Everton, before eventually turning into England’s number-one, something that Johnstone himself has expressed as one of his ambitions.
Now, the fee might not be the same as what Sunderland got for Pickford, but for the sake of Johnstone’s career, as well as West Brom – who may need money to help fund a team for the Championship – it is probably best if the club sell him on this summer in a move that will definitely help both parties.