Joseph Masi has been speaking on the Baggies Broadcast podcast about Sam Johnstone’s future for both club and country.
Johnstone has been a regular in the West Brom side since he arrived from Manchester United in 2018 and following his impressive, standout season last campaign in the Premier League – where he stood above everyone in terms of protecting his goal, making 161 saves – he earned his first England cap in June.
Should Johnstone leave West Brom?
Yes!
No!
The ‘keeper has now made three appearances for England and is still yet to concede a goal. He is now ahead of the likes of Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale in Gareth Southgate’s pecking order, but given his contract is set to expire in the summer, he may not be an international West Brom player for much longer.
Masi admits Johnstone may have to leave West Brom.
“From what we understand, basically, Sam Johnstone has gone from strength to strength ever since he’s been in the England fold, he became the number two goalkeeper over the summer.
“The big question was how was going to be playing in the Championship affect him, really, and would he fall further down the pecking order?
“Aaron Ramsdale has done very, very well for Arsenal since he’s gone there, £30 million move, I mean, it’s a hell of a lot of money. Sam Johnstone knows in his heart of hearts, he can’t really expect to have any chance, really, of playing for England at the World Cup if he’s playing in the Championship next season.”
TIF Thoughts on Johnstone…
If Johnstone does indeed leave as a free agent at the end of the season, he may not be short of options, with West Ham United having lodged a £6 million bid last summer, while Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton reportedly hold an interest in the shot-stopper – with the Saints thought to be looking to land a new ‘keeper in January, which would give Albion a cash injection to potentially put back into their playing squad.
West Brom will be hoping that they can achieve promotion at the first time of asking this season as that is their only way to potentially keep Johnstone for at least another season and avoid having to source another top shot-stopper.
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