Because of his excellent play, Carlton Palmer has urged West Bromwich Albion to move quickly to try to close a deal for Celtic’s Mikey Johnston, fearing they would be outbid by other teams.
The Glasgow giants have seen the winger, who rose through the ranks at Celtic, make nearly 100 appearances. He hasn’t, however, been able to solidify his position as a major participant.
As a result, a loan transfer was set up for the New Year, with Johnston spending the rest of the season at Albertion.
Championship Table (As it stands March 20th) | ||||
Team | P | GD | Pts | |
1 | Leeds United | 38 | 42 | 82 |
2 | Leicester City | 37 | 41 | 82 |
3 | Ipswich Town | 38 | 31 | 81 |
4 | Southampton | 36 | 26 | 73 |
5 | West Brom | 38 | 23 | 66 |
6 | Norwich City | 38 | 15 | 61 |
7 | Hull City | 37 | 7 | 58 |
8 | Coventry City | 37 | 16 | 57 |
With Johnston netting six goals in ten games, the Baggies have had an incredible season as Carlos Corberan’s team solidifies their play-off position.
Not only is it a fantastic goal return, but the 24-year-old has also produced some incredible solo goals and is a continual threat down the flank with his speed and dribbling prowess.
Mikey Johnston’s most recent transfer
Given that the January agreement did not include a buyout option, it is only natural that this has spurred discussion over whether Albion can retain Johnston at The Hawthorns past the summer.
When questioned about his player’s future, Celtics manager Brendan Rodgers was reticent, saying they will evaluate the situation in the summer.
However, Palmer told FLW that given how the attacker is playing, competitor interest is unavoidable and that his old team needs to make every effort to sign Johnston as soon as possible.
“I believe that West Brom has an issue with this. Johnston’s influence is astounding. Six goals and one assist indicate how outstanding he has been.
“He has taken to the Baggies, won the hearts of the supporters, and performed incredibly well, therefore West Brom should be seeking to secure a permanent transfer.”However, it is evident that the agreement did not include a buyout option, which is why Celtic loaned him away.
“Johnston’s quality is undeniable, but he also needed to play frequently, which he has done in the Championship with West Brom. Albion is in the play-off places, but due of his excellent play, it will be challenging for them to retain him.
“Other teams will make a move for him if Celtic fail to retain him.
In order to keep Celtic at the football team, I would be getting down with him right now and trying to get this contract done if I were the new owner. He has shown Brendan Rodgers what he is capable of, making him an excellent addition. Perhaps he will consider bringing him back.”
Of course, if West Brom could offer between £3 and £3.5 million, it might be a sum that works for both teams. However, the Baggies should seek to close this transaction as quickly as possible.
The Celtics signed Mikey Johnston.
In the end, Celtic will be well-positioned for the summer transfer market because Johnston is committed to the Scottish champions through 2026.
They will therefore be happy to see him perform so well in the Championship since it will undoubtedly raise the price.
Albion, though, will be hoping that Johnston’s performances under Corberan and his seeming settledness will give them the advantage when it comes to a permanent deal.
While Johnston will keep an eye on this come summer, his top goal for now is getting West Brom into the Premier League.
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