West Bromwich Albion have been urged to complete the permanent signing of loan star Mikey Johnston as the winger has had an excellent spell at The Hawthorns thus far.
During this time with Celtic under Brendan Rodgers, the Republic of Ireland international played 12 times in all competitions, including two appearances in the UEFA Champions League, and managed to record three goal contributions.
Since joining the Baggies on a short-term loan on transfer deadline day, the winger has scored four goals in only eight appearances, averaging a goal every second game. His emphatic strike outside the box against Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday in a 2-2 draw was undoubtedly the pick of the bunch.
What a strike from Mikey Johnston! 🔥
Game ON. pic.twitter.com/p2mPwaXkQj
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) March 6, 2024
The 24-year-old, who had become an afterthought in Rodgers’ team, is now one of Carlos Corberan’s most important players and is arguably the first name on the teamsheet for the West Midlands outfit.
His contract in Glasgow expires at the end of the 2025/26 campaign, meaning Johnston still has two years remaining on his current deal with the Scottish champions, while the player boasts a market value of £1 million, according to Transfermarkt.
Johnston is expected to return to Celtic following his loan stint with West Bromwich Albion at the end of the season but former player Carlton Palmer believes his old club should be looking to sign him permanently this summer.
Speaking to Football League World, the EFL pundit described the attacker as “absolutely sensational”:
“I’m not surprised Celtic let him leave on loan, they have a lot of players at the football club, so some needed to get out to get game time, and this is what happens,” Palmer said.
“You want a player to go out on loan, impress, which is what Mikey Johnston has done. He’s been absolutely sensational under Carlos Corberan and West Brom are punching above their weight in the play-off places, and finishing in the top six would be a fantastic achievement.
“Johnston is still under contract at Celtic but it will be one of those at the end of the season where talks take place. I think West Brom should be looking to bring him to the club on a permanent basis.”
Writer’s View
This deal is a no-brainer for West Bromwich Albion, but it does depend on whether Celtic see a future at the club for Johnston. Unless Rodgers guides the team to a third-consecutive title this season, the Northern Irishman could well be on his way out of the club, meaning another manager may not want to sell Johnston.
However, if Rodgers is still there, the Baggies should do everything to bring him back, particularly if the club fail to earn promotion to the Premier League. Johnston wouldn’t be too expensive either, although his impressive form is certainly adding value to his price tag.
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