Johnstone impresses
Despite West Bromwich Albion’s relegation, shot-stopper Sam Johnstone impressed. Peppered with efforts through a leaky defence, Johnstone made the most saves in the league, ahead even of Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale.
His performances were rewarded with a call-up to the England squad for Euro 2020, where he was promoted to second-choice goalkeeper when Dean Henderson had to pull out through injury.
BREAKING: Sam Johnstone and Ollie Watkins receive their first England call-ups.
Jesse Lingard, John Stones and Luke Shaw have all been recalled as well.
📻 Listen → https://t.co/VJgUHnqdM1 pic.twitter.com/0wJBv4Uu8W
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) March 18, 2021
Three-way race for his signature
As such, he has inspired interest from Premier League clubs looking for a reliable backup goalkeeper, including West Ham, Arsenal, and Tottenham Hotspur. According to The Athletic, it is the Hammers that have made the opening move in chasing his signature.
🚨 West Brom reject West Ham bid for Sam Johnstone. Below £10m & unlikely #WHUFC go much higher as free agent in 2022. Expected they press ahead for Areola on loan with buy option. Johnstone also on Arsenal + Spurs radar @TheAthleticUK #WBA #PSG #AFC #THFC https://t.co/KL4eeGPhKy
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 14, 2021
The reliable David Ornstein reports that although West Brom are thought to be looking for a fee over 10 million pounds, West Ham’s offer “fell considerably below that figure”.
He continues that West Ham are unlikely to further pursue a deal for the Englishman, instead turning their attention to Alphonse Areola, currently at PSG after a loan spell at Fulham last campaign.
PSG have just signed Gianluigi Donnarumma, taking their total senior goalkeepers to nine, meaning that a deal is certainly there to be done.
🔴🔵 Avec Gianluigi Donnarumma, le PSG aura 9 gardiens sous contrat !
🤔 De qui le PSG doit-il se séparer selon vous ? pic.twitter.com/FSxbE3jHxs
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) July 11, 2021
Meanwhile, Ornstein credits Arsenal and Tottenham with credible interest in Johnstone, although both could well wait for his contract to expire this summer before they make any approach to sign him. Arsenal are thought to prefer Aaron Ramsdale, but could switch their attention to West Brom’s man if they are priced out of a move for the Sheffield United goalie.
Where do you think Johnstone will end up?
