After a stellar loan stint at The Hawthorns, winger Mikey Johnston has received strong encouragement for West Bromwich Albion to finalize his permanent signing.
The Republic of Ireland international made 12 appearances across all competitions, including two UEFA Champions League games, while playing for Celtic under Brendan Rodgers, contributing three goals to the score.
The winger has averaged a goal every other game since joining the Baggies on a short-term loan on transfer deadline day, with four goals in only eight outings. Certainly the best of the group was his thunderous strike outside the box in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw against Queens Park Rangers.
Once an afterthought in Rodgers’ squad, the 24-year-old is now one of Carlos Corberan’s most vital players and is likely the first name on the West Midlands team sheet.
Johnston still has two years left on his current contract with the Scottish champions, as his Glasgow contract ends at the end of the 2025–2026 season. Transfermarkt estimates that Johnston is worth £1 million.
After spending the season on loan at West Bromwich Albion, Johnston is likely to return to Celtic, but according to former player Carlton Palmer, his old team ought to be attempting to buy him long-term this summer.
The EFL expert, in an interview with Football League World, called the attacker “simply spectacular.”
“It’s understandable that Celtic allowed him to go on loan; they have a large football team, and some players had to depart to receive playing time,” Palmer remarked.
“You want a player to make an impression while out on loan, and Mikey Johnston has done just that. Under Carlos Corberan, he has been nothing short of spectacular, and West Brom is dominating the play-off spots. Reaching the final six would be an incredible accomplishment.
“Johnston still has a contract with Celtic, although negotiations will take place at the end of the current campaign. I believe West Brom ought to look into hiring him on a long-term basis.
For West Bromwich Albion, this deal is a no-brainer, but it does rely on whether Celtic believes Johnston has a future with the team. The Northern Irishman may be heading out of the club unless Rodgers leads the squad to a third straight championship this season, in which case another manager could be reluctant to let go of Johnston.
But if Rodgers is still there, the Baggies ought to make every effort to get him back, especially in the event that the team isn’t promoted to the Premier League. Although his excellent form is undoubtedly adding value to his price tag, Johnston wouldn’t be too pricey either.
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