Former West Brom player delivers verdict on Albion transfer decision

Former West Bromwich Albion midfielder Carlton Palmer has criticised the club’s decision not to cash in on goalkeeper Sam Johnstone prior to the expiration of his contract this summer, speaking to Give Me Sport.

The 29-year-old has been the subject of intense interest from several Premier League sides over the past 12 months, with Manchester United, Arsenal and West Ham United all being linked with a move for the shot-stopper last summer.

However, it was only West Ham that were reported to have made a formal move for his services, launching a £6m bid in their quest to lure him to the London Stadium, an offer that was rejected by officials at The Hawthorns who had seen the England international shine in the top tier last season.

The Hammers didn’t follow up that initial bid though with David Moyes’ side recruiting Alphonse Areola instead – and though previous Baggies boss Valerien Ismael was resigned to losing Johnstone – the Frenchman managed to retain him beyond the summer.

Further interest in his services came after the window closed with Newcastle United, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur all thought to have been monitoring his situation in the West Midlands.

However, a January move didn’t materialise and with the 29-year-old unlikely to sign fresh terms at his current side between now and the end of this term, he looks set to depart The Hawthorns for free.

This is to the dismay of ex-England international Palmer, who said: “They’re going to lose Sam Johnstone on a free, which is crazy business.

“Why not let Sam Johnstone go last season if you’re not going to get him to sign a new contract?

“Why not let him go and get £10m-£12m for him rather than let him go on a free, it’s just crazy.”

The Verdict:

With 12 months on