Sam Johnstone's arrival is sign of things to come, says West Brom boss Darren Moore
Darren Moore has promised Albion fans there is more to come after snapping up goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Manchester United for £6.5million.
Johnstone is Moore’s first signing as Albion head coach and his arrival represents a deliberate shift towards young and hungry players.
The 25-year-old has impressed at rivals Aston Villa during his loan spells there over the past 18 months, but he is now keen to settle down after signing a four-year contract with the Baggies.
His arrival paves the way for the exit of Watford-bound Ben Foster after seven years at The Hawthorns, marking the first big change of Albion’s summer reboot under Moore.
“Sam is young and determined to be the best keeper he can possibly be,” said Moore. “He’s hungry to do that with us at Albion.
“We’ve had him targeted from the outset and we’re all delighted to have him on board.
“He buys into exactly what we are trying to achieve and will hopefully represent the shape of things to come.”
Johnstone kept 22 clean sheets in the Championship last season, second only to Wolves keeper John Ruddy.
His transfer fee could rise to a possible £10m with a series of add-ons.
The Baggies are now turning their attention to Swansea centre-back Kyle Bartley in an effort to bolster their threadbare backline.
The 27-year-old is ready to leave South Wales this summer after failing to break into Swansea’s first team on a regular basis.
However, Albion face competition for Bartley’s signature from Leeds United, where he spent the 2016/17 season on loan.
The Baggies are in desperate need of reinforcements at the back after losing Jonny Evans to Leicester for £3.5m and releasing Gareth McAuley.
There is also uncertainty over the futures of their two remaining senior centre-backs.
Craig Dawson is agitating for a move to Burnley, and Ahmed Hegazi has a £10m release clause.
