Despite the fact that his proposed move to Flamengo fell through, Sky Sports commentator Lee Hendrie believes Mikey Johnston will leave West Brom this summer.
The Republic of Ireland international was ready to complete a £5 million transfer to the Brazilian giants, but the deal was halted this week as it was believed that fan backlash in Rio was to blame.
Other reports said Johnston had failed a medical, however the Express & Star refuted those allegations, saying the 26-year-old was still in the UK at the time.
A Brazilian journalist has now disclosed the true reasons after speaking with the club’s technical director, Jose Boto, who was behind the initial interest in Johnston, as reported by the Express & Star.
The technical director revealed that Flamengo dropped out of the arrangement for two reasons. He claims that a ‘better option’ has emerged, while also raising worries about the squad’s foreign player cap.
Despite initially saying goodbye ahead of his anticipated move to South America, Johnston has since rejoined his Albion colleagues in Austria for their preseason training.
The Baggies are thought to be in a “tricky scenario” as a result of the move falling through, as getting the £5 million fee up front would have alleviated concerns about PSR, an issue that controlling shareholder Shilen Patel recently addressed in an open letter to supporters.
Lee Hendrie believes Mikey Johnston could yet leave West Brom.
With this news in mind, former Aston Villa player and Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie has speculated on Johnston’s future at The Hawthorns.
Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Hendrie believes Johnston will leave West Brom if a similar offer comes in, but that Albion should try to keep a player of his calibre.
| ikey Johnston’s West Brom Championship stats – As per Transfermarkt | |||
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 2023/24 | 20 | 7 | 1 |
| 2024/25 | 40 | 3 | 5 |
Hendrie stated, “I believe West Bromwich Albion are a club that can undoubtedly attract players of the quality of Mikey Johnston.
“So, sure, I believe it will happen again (interest in Johnston); there’s no doubt if they can negotiate a fair price.
“I’ve always felt that that’s been their downfall, West Brom, is that they need someone of his quality, and I’m sure that will reignite with this falling through.”
Mikey Johnston says West Brom’s withdrawal is beneficial for both parties.
Johnston will undoubtedly be frustrated that his move to Flamengo did not go through, despite the fact that it was advertised as a life-changing opportunity.
The winger now returns to Albion knowing he is not favoured by Ryan Mason, and it will be difficult to change those first impressions if he stays at the club.
However, with the coffers needing to be filled, West Brom don’t have many sellable assets left other than Johnston, and if they can’t find a good successor for the Irishman, Tom Fellows may be the next exit, something the club will be hoping to avoid.
With this, the Baggies will undoubtedly scramble to find another buyer for Johnston, since his sale is critical to ensuring the club does not fall back into financial difficulties.
It appears like Johnston will go soon, but it remains to be seen whether the Baggies will receive a £5 million bid from another club.
Leave a Reply