Opinion: Wolves have handed West Brom a big transfer boost as they near £9m deal

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As Valerien Ismael introduced himself to his new club this week, the West Brom faithful would have been struck by the positivity and self-belief of a man who, through sheer force of personality, turned Barnsley from relegation candidates into play-off contenders.

Ismael, speaking to the Birmingham Mail, pledged to introduce a high-intensity, forward-thinking style of play. One that will see West Brom take the game to each and every opponent in the Championship, all the while plucking the most exciting talent from the club’s often underused academy. 

When asked about the future of a man who completed a clean sweep at the club’s end of season awards in May, however, the 45-year-old Frenchman was less optimistic.

“It’s not a secret that Sam Johnstone can maybe leave the club. It’s my expectation that (he will) leave,” Ismael said.

Who will Sam Johnstone leave West Brom for?

It is well documented that the England goalkeeper would jump at the chance to stay in the Premier League, having stood out a mile in a struggling side during his first ever top-flight campaign in 2020/21.

But, with just seven weeks of the transfer window remaining, it is becoming increasingly difficult to imagine a club paying the £20 million West Brom want for their late-blooming shot-stopper (Telegraph).

Midland rivals Wolves were linked recently, via The Athletic.

But a side now under the stewardship of ex-Benfica boss Bruno Lage have one of football’s most influential agents on speed dial and, if reports from Greece are to be believed, another Jorge Mendes client by the name of Jose Sa is on his way to Molineux for half the fee West Brom wanted for Johnstone.

Another of Johnstone’s potential suitors, Arsenal, appear to be focusing more on Aaron Ramsdale and Andre Onana while Manchester United – where the 28-year-old started his career – have brought back another Old Trafford old boy in the shape of Tom Heaton.

A move to Tottenham looks increasingly unlikely too, with Hugo Lloris staying put.

Speculation surrounding Johnstone’s future will rage on, of course, with Leeds and West Ham also mentioned as potential destinations.

But, with Wolves expected to officially unveil Jose Sa over the next few days, Ismael’s cynicism could soon turn into cautious optimism as September moves ever closer.

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