West Ham will have to fight off Newcastle if we want to sign West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in the summer transfer window.
Hammers boss David Moyes wanted to bring the 29-year-old stopper to the London Stadium but Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is keen to sign him as well (The Daily Mail).
In other news…Report: Newcastle eyeing shock summer transfer swoop for £70 million West Ham ace
With Lukasz Fabianski set to leave at the end of the 2022/23 season and Darren Randolph out of contract in the same year, the signing of a top-class goalkeeper will be needed, in addition to making the loan deal for Alphonse Areola permanent of course.
West Bromwich Albion ace Sam Johnstone is available on a free transfer in the summer with his contract set to expire at the Hawthorns.
So from a financial perspective, it’s obvious to see why West Ham would want to sign him. The 29-year-old is a very good goalkeeper as well. With Newcastle allegedly in for him as well though, the writing may already be on the wall for the Hammers…
West Ham face a battle ahead with Newcastle eyeing summer transfer for Sam Johnstone
The Magpies have endless resources at their disposal after their recent takeover from the Saudi Investment Fund.
Now, Johnstone will not cost anything in transfer fees. His wages are an entirely different matter, however.
Newcastle will be able to offer him an enormous salary, whereas West Ham surely won’t want to be paying over £50k-a-week. Especially for someone who wouldn’t be our guaranteed number one, if Areola remains at the London Stadium.
Missing out on Johnstone would be a big blow for the Hammers. Having the 29-year-old competing with Areola for the number one spot would be a great thing for the club and would put us in a very strong position in the goalkeeping department.
Standing at 6ft 4in tall, the West Brom stopper cuts an imposing figure. He is dominant in the air and a great shot stopper. The Baggies ace is a very impressive communicator as well.
Johnstone would be a great signing for the Hammers on a free transfer.
West Ham may well miss out on Johnstone to Newcastle in the summer transfer window, however, with the Geordies set to splash the cash.
The Toon’s gain could be the Hammers loss.
Read also:
Insider claims that Moyes could sell 26-year-old West Ham ace in the summer
Report claims West Ham could now sign 6ft 5in French colossus in the summer
£25 million ace has a new role to play for West Ham and it’s so obvious to see
Michail Antonio makes stunning claim on Twitter ahead of second-leg Europa League clash