Mikey Johnston, a winger for Celtic, has outperformed expectations since going on loan to West Bromwich Albion in the winter transfer window.
The Republic of Ireland international has been on the outskirts at Parkhead, but he has been in excellent form at the Hawthorns, recording seven goals and one assist in 15 outings [Transfermarkt].
The 24-year-old’s stint under temporary arrangement south of the border went well last week in the West Midlands, as he was named the March Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month.
In his pregame news conference prior to our 3-0 victory over St Mirren last week, Brendan Rodgers addressed some of the doubts that some had, of course, about his future at Celtic.
“He’s one of the best prospects to come out of the academy,” said Rodgers. He can score goals and is direct and speedy. It speaks much about his performance that he went there and accepted the prize in the presence of some truly exceptional players from the Championship.
“Hopefully, he can keep up that and return to Celtic in the summer, rejuvenated and full of confidence, ready to make an impression.”
Given that West Brom is still in the running for a playoff spot, there are a number of career paths that could open up for Johnston in the future transfer window as interest in his skills grows.
Tam McManus is a floater. Johnston Mikey Celtic windfall hypothesis
It seems that Rodgers has given Johnston permission to return to Parkhead and leave his mark the following season based on his remarks.
However, considering that the Irishman’s stock is at its greatest point in a long time and is facing the window, striking while the iron is hot would be Celtic’s best course of action in this regard.
Due to his goal surge against the Baggies, analyst Tam McManus of PLZ Soccer has predicted that Celtic might receive as much as £10 million for his services.
“Many Celtic supporters were quite delighted he went,” he said. They didn’t give him the majority of the Celtic support, in my opinion. I believe that he occasionally found it difficult to handle the expectations and size of the club.
“I believe he descended there as an unidentified entity. He’s been outstanding for West Brom down there. With less strain on him and him enjoying his football, Celtic will be pleased.
“West Brom is in the playoffs if he continues to play this well through the rest of the season; if they advance to the Premier League, they may have to pay £10 million for him.”
Celtic would have been content to accept a few million dollars in exchange for him. I didn’t think it was feasible until he went down there, but Celtic would demand a huge, huge amount for him if West Brom gets promoted and he’s flying.”
Celtic might ask for a hefty price to acquire Mikey Johnston.
Of course, asking for £10 million would be a little too much from Celtic, but there is still opportunity to work out a financially beneficial agreement given his success at West Brom.
Given that Johnston turns 25 this week, Rodgers may choose to reintegrate him into the starting lineup; nevertheless, at this point in his career, competition for spots isn’t what he needs.
For the benefit of Johnston’s career, Celtic should try to sell him and capitalize on his fantastic run at the Hawthorns.
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