Journalist Dominic Fifield has given his view on the future of West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
It has certainly been a busy season for the stopper, he has both made the most saves (145) in the Premier League this season and conceded the most goals (66) of any goalkeeper in the division. And his performances this year, despite the goals conceded, have clearly left a few teams in the Premier League impressed.
A recent report claimed that the Baggies have placed a £20m valuation on him, with clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Manchester United showing an interest in his services, and speaking on the latest edition of The Athletic’s Ornstein and Chapman Podcast (11:07), Fifield felt that Johnstone would be part of a Premier League squad next season:
“Sam Johnstone has been excellent. I mean, I can’t see him seeing out the last year of his contract in the Championship. I think he’ll probably push for a Premier League club, and it may be that he doesn’t go in as a first-choice somewhere, but he goes in as a backup or as a player for the future at another Premier League side.”
TIF Thoughts on Dominic Fifield’s comments about Sam Johnstone’s future
Will West Brom sell Sam Johnstone this summer?
Yes
No
If West Brom are to try and bring themselves back up to the Premier League next season, the first thing they need is to have a good squad at hand.
Based on his performances this season and how in-demand he seems, Johnstone would likely be a solid piece in the foundations of a promotion-chasing side.
So, the question then becomes do they gamble that he would be part of a team to bring them up, which would, in essence, be worth their £20m valuation and more based on the vast sums that Premier League football provides, and hope he sticks around longer? Or do the club cash in now and use that money to bring in players for the rest of the squad?
It’s more likely going to be the latter, but at this stage, the former shouldn’t necessarily be ruled out, in our view.
In other news: ‘He’ll make them champions next year’ – TalkSPORT pundit drops big West Brom claim