‘He’d be a fantastic addition’ – Exclusive: Pundit raves about Leeds-linked ace, tops PL charts
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Sam Johnstone will not join Leeds United in January despite speculation linking the West Brom goalkeeper with Elland Road, according to Paul Robinson.
The Sun reported on Boxing Day that Leeds and Brighton are interested in the 27-year-old shot-stopper, who will enter the final 18 months of his contract at The Hawthorns in January.
It is understood that West Brom “may be put on the spot” if a bid is made for their number one goalkeeper in the January transfer window because his value is likely to depreciate upon relegation and upon entering the last year of his deal in the summer.
However, Robinson cannot see how Sam Allardyce will let Johnstone leave West Brom in the January window when the goalkeeper has been so key to the Baggies in the Premier League.
But the ex-Leeds goalkeeper does believe that Marcelo Bielsa and Victor Orta will have to bolster that area of the squad in the summer to add some competition for Illan Meslier.
“They’re going to need some reinforcements. Meslier’s going to be the number one going forward, which at the moment he is and he’s growing game by game. He’s doing extremely well and there’s no call to replace him,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“But I do think the goalkeeper ranks need bolstering, whether that’s a number one-stroke-two or a very good number two to push them all the way.
“I can’t see Sam Johnstone leaving unless West Brom went down. I can’t see that happening unless that happens.
“Knowing Sam as I know him, there’s absolutely no way in the world that he will go anywhere in January. It’s a completely hypothetical conversation until the summer.
“There’s no way Sam Allardyce would have gone in there to West Brom without reassurances his best players will be staying in January. They brought him there for a reason – to keep the club in the Premier League.
“There’s no way Johnstone will go anywhere until the club’s fate is decided at the end of the season.
“Should they go down, he’d be a fantastic addition for Leeds but at the moment, there’s no chance of that deal happening.”
Johnstone has been top of the class in terms of Premier League goalkeepers this season.
According to stats by Wyscout, he’s made more saves than any other shot-stopper in the top-flight [73] while also facing the most shots [108].
Johnstone’s made so many saves due to West Brom’s defence being so woeful in front of him but his performances in recent draws away at Liverpool and Manchester City have been topped by the 27-year-old making stunning stops for the Baggies.
If Leeds get rid of Kiko Casilla in the summer they will need to sign another senior goalkeeper and Johnstone would be a good replacement to provide Meslier with some solid competition.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has been urged to make a huge investment away from the Whites.