Pranav Nair
West Brom keen to prevent Manchester United reunion for Sam Johnstone
According to the Shropshire Star, West Bromwich Albion is keen to prevent Sam Johnstone from returning to Manchester United.
The 28-year-old came through the ranks at United but failed to make a single senior start for the club. He left United to join the Baggies permanently in 2018 and has not looked back since.
Johnstone has now made 124 appearances for the Premier League strugglers, keeping 30 clean sheets. A key player under Sam Allardyce, he has shown he has the ability to compete in the Premier League. (h/t Transfermarkt)
With just one year left on his current deal, West Brom face a fight on their hands to keep the player at the Hawthorns.
The Red Devils are one of the clubs linked with the player as they look to revamp their goalkeeping department in the summer. With David de Gea’s future far from certain, Johnstone could be brought in as a backup to Dean Henderson.
Allardyce remains bullish regarding the player’s future. He admitted that a decision will only be made once West Brom discover their Premier League fate.
“We can only discuss that when we have secured our position as a Premier League club.”
The Baggies boss remains confident that the club will do all they can to keep hold of their star man.
“I think the club would do their very best to keep him.”
The same mistake?
It makes little sense for Johnstone to return to United. He had revealed earlier that a major reason behind his decision to leave was being forced to play second fiddle to De Gea.
While the Spaniard may move on, Johnstone will still have to be satisfied staying behind Henderson in the pecking order. He is better off staying put at West Brom.
West Ham United are also keen on the player. Unlike United, the Hammers can offer him a starting position. Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur were also once linked with the player. Whether they still retain the interest remains to be seen.
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Johnstone is at a good point in his career and has even been called up for the England squad. At 28, he is in his prime and is better off staying away from United.
