West Brom: 'Crazy' Hawthorns decision could cost Baggies £12m

West Brom allowing Sam Johnstone to leave on a free transfer this summer is “crazy business”, according to ex-Baggies midfielder Carlton Palmer.

The goalkeeper has been West Brom’s number one since he signed from Aston Villa in 2018, but he looks to have played his final game for Steve Bruce’s side.

Bruce all-but confirmed that Johnstone has played his final game for West Brom, with the Baggies manager dropping him from the side for the remainder of the campaign following reports surrounding his future.

Johnstone has missed the last two matches and won’t be involved for the remainder of the season.

The stopper, who has played 167 times in four years as a West Brom player, was heavily linked with a move away from the Hawthorns last summer when both Tottenham and West Ham were keen on his services.

But the London rivals ended up shopping elsewhere, meaning Johnstone stayed with the Baggies despite wanting to stay in the Premier League.

West Brom set a £10m asking-price for Johnstone, although with his contract expiring at the end of June, they’ll be forced to let him leave for nothing in the next window, a situation Palmer has described as “crazy”.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “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.”

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Johnstone might not have even left the club, but Bruce is acting fast in trying to sign a replacement ahead of next season.

David Button, who has a wealth of Championship experience, will be given his chance to impress in West Brom’s