In a recent report, The Express & Star has mentioned that West Ham United are set to rival Watford for West Bromwich Albion keeper Sam Johnstone this summer. It is understood that the Hammers along with the Hornets are preparing to make their moves to land the English custodian during this summer transfer window (via The Express & Star).
Johnstone’s Decent Run Of Form For West Brom
It has been a difficult campaign for Johnstone at the Hawthorns as he recently ended up getting relegated with the Baggies from the Premier League. The Preston-born goalie made himself a regular starter for the West Midlands outfit and made 37 appearances for them this term, shipping in 74 goals and securing six clean sheets across all fronts.
Johnstone has given a good account of himself after he averaged 1.0 clearances and 8.4 long balls per 90 minutes in the English top-flight. The 28-year-old preferred to go long when distributing the ball out from the back, so it is no surprise that his pass completion rate is just 43.2% in league football (stats via whoscored).
With just over a year left to run in his West Brom contract, West Ham boss David Moyes should consider tabling an offer for Johnstone as he is good enough to rival Lukasz Fabianski for a place in the Hammers first team next season.
Should The Hammers Snap Johnstone Up This Summer?
Johnstone has been a safe pair of hands for the Baggies over the past ten months despite his struggles to keep clean sheets in the Premier League. He has shown great reflexes and can make some quick dives to come to his side’s rescue. The English talent can pull off a few important saves at the back and is a solid handler of the ball inside his six-yard box.
Hence, West Ham should think about snapping Johnstone up in this off-season as he can be a decent squad player for them in the coming seasons. At 28, Johnston has enough top-flight experience under his belt to make a good impression at the London Stadium in the years to come.
With more quality around him at West Ham, the English sensation will have the perfect chance to impress and stake his claim for a regular starting place in Moyes’ first team in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
However, if West Brom refuse to budge from their £20m valuation of the player, the East London giants will be better off opting for someone else as Johnstone is not worth that much, especially when he is set to become a free agent at the end of next season.
