Former West Bromwich Albion loan winger Mikey Johnston is set to sign for the club on a permanent deal from Celtic, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook on X.
The Baggies look to have beaten off interest from a number of Championship clubs for the winger, who is set to make the move back to the West Midlands for around £3 million as the transfer window nears a close.
The 25-year-old impressed on loan from the Scottish champions last season, making nine goal contributions in 20 appearances as Carlos Corberan’s side reached the play-offs, with Johnston a key factor in the club’s form. Johnston’s form in his half-season spell was a driving factor as West Brom’s form improved as the season progressed, culminating in a fifth-placed finish. With last year’s top scorer Brandon Thomas-Asante having left the club for Coventry City, goals are much needed, and Spaniard Corberan has looked to Johnston to provide that.
Glasgow-born Johnston, who has represented the Republic of Ireland 11 times through his ancestry, is an experienced name but has been limited by injuries which have restricted appearances. He broke into the side at Celtic Park in 2017 but subsequently suffered with fitness issues which saw him drop behind the likes of Jota and Liel Abada in the pecking order. A loan at Vitoria Guimaraes in Portugal allowed him to get some much-needed game time in 2022-23 before his temporary spell at The Hawthorns. Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers clearly think it will be difficult for Johnston to get back in his side, so a permanent switch to West Bromwich has been sanctioned.
It’s been a fairly decent start to the season for West Brom, with the club unbeaten after three league games, although they are out of the Carabao Cup. Striker Josh Maja has scored four of the team’s five goals this campaign, so they need more firepower to share the scoring. Fans will be hoping Johnston can recreate last season’s form and do just that.
Writer’s View
This is a fantastic move for player and club. Last year’s loan spell rejuvenated Johnston and helped him rediscover his best form, and with him looking unlikely to get back into the Celtic side a move was necessary. A permanent return to The Hawthorns seems a no-brainer as he will get plenty of football and if he does well, he may get back into the international fold and put himself in the shop window for a Premier League move.
West Brom also stand to gain a great deal from this move. It’s risk-free as the player is popular and knows the club, so won’t take long to bed in. He fits what the squad need at the moment and fits the club’s financial situation as they look to sign players on the cheap. At 25 he also has significant sell-on value if he does well, and if that’s the case he’ll either help the club to the top-flight or get his own move there, which would likely command significant profit and help the club’s wallet. Overall, a great move all-round.
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