Southampton, West Ham United and Tottenham are set to go up against each other in pursuit of Sam Johnstone, who continues to impress at West Bromwich Albion.
According to The Sun, West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is a man in demand ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window. The likes of Tottenham, West Ham United and Southampton are all keen on signing the 28-year-old English international
The Englishman came through the ranks at Manchester United but failed to make a single appearance for the Premier League giants. However, a move to West Bromwich Albion in 2018 proved to be the spark for a late-blooming of his talents.
While the Baggies may have got relegated in the 2020/21 campaign, Johnstone stood out as one of the shining beacons at the Hawthorns. A call up to the England squad for UEFA Euro 2020 was imminent, and he continues to go from strength to strength.
He has so far won two caps for the Three Lions and was in goal against Andorra on Saturday night. A particularly impressive moment came when he started the attack for Jack Grealish’s goal on the night.
Johnstone’s contract at West Brom runs out next summer, and he is ready to wait until then before deciding on his future. Southampton are keeping tabs on the 28-year-old and are ready to pay for him in January rather than wait until the summer to land him for free.
This season, the Saints have struggled to keep clean sheets and could do with a dependable goalkeeper between the sticks. In Johnstone, they have just the player who fits that profile. With Fraser Forster set to move on when his deal expires, Southampton will need a shot stopper sooner or later.
They will, however, face competition from both West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs are also in need of a goalkeeper and have offers on the table should Johnstone seek to seek a new challenge.
The Hammers have the veteran Lukasz Fabianski in goal. He is 36 years old has seen age catch up with him. David Moyes’s side have potential and will need to plan for the future. Building from the back is essential, and bringing in a strong goalkeeper can provide a solid foundation. The same can be said of Spurs, who are preparing for life after Hugo Lloris.
The Frenchman is one of the best goalkeepers to grace the Premier League, but at 34, he is in the final years of his career. His contract is also up in the summer, and there is little to suggest he will pen new terms.
Tottenham brought in Pierluigi Gollini on loan in the summer. The Argentine is a talented player but is yet to be entrusted with a Premier League appearance this season. Whether he will be afforded opportunities in the future or is more of a glorified second choice remains to be seen. West Brom, for their part, are not ready to let go of their prized player without a fight. A lucrative new deal is on the table should he decide to stay put.
As things stand, Johnstone is ahead of Dean Henderson in the pecking order in the English national side. A move to a Premier League side is what could see the 28-year-old challenge Jordan Pickford for the Three Lions’ number one jersey, and it remains to be seen if any of Southampton, West Ham or Tottenham end up landing him.
I like Johnstone, but you can see why Mourinho is sniffing round some of the stars of the future at our club. We keep reading how much potential our academy stars have but they have to fulfill it elsewhere and become stars for others. We already have Lloris, have just brought Polligni in and there are at least three young guns who could be brought in when Hugo leaves next year.
Come on guys we can save millions if we blood our young stars properly.