---
title: "West Ham United: Telegraph share Sam Johnstone transfer update"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-united-telegraph-share-sam-johnstone-transfer-update/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Premier League"
published: "2021-12-23T13:30:22Z"
modified: "2021-12-23T13:30:22Z"
---

# West Ham United: Telegraph share Sam Johnstone transfer update

**As per[The Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/12/21/transfer-notebook-newcastle-leading-race-sign-spurs-centre-back/), an encouraging West Ham United transfer update has come to light involving West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.**

### The Lowdown: West Ham eye Johnstone…

Despite signing Alphonse Areola on a season-long loan deal from Paris-Saint Germain, with the option to make his move permanent ([whufc.com](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/july/29-july/west-ham-united-sign-world-cup-winning-goalkeeper-alphonse-areola)), West Ham are[continuing to be linked](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/12/21/transfer-notebook-newcastle-leading-race-sign-spurs-centre-back/) with a move for the Baggies ace.

[West Ham latest updates!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-latest-updates/)

The Hammers actually did attempt to sign Johnstone in the summer window, with [The Athletic](https://theathletic.com/2707770/2021/07/14/west-brom-reject-bid-from-west-ham-for-sam-johnstone/) claiming that they had a bid rejected for his services before opting for Areola as an alternative.

West Brom’s number one, as it stands, could leave as a free agent at the end of this season with his contract looking to [set to expire in 2022.](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/sam-johnstone/profil/spieler/110864) Now, an update has surfaced on West Ham’s involvement, and it could be encouraging.

### The Latest: West Ham in pole position…

As per [The Telegraph and reliable reporter Mike McGrath,](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2021/12/21/transfer-notebook-newcastle-leading-race-sign-spurs-centre-back/) the Hammers are ‘at the front of the queue’ to sign Johnstone as they enter pole position.

Indeed, he is expected to be among the most in-demand free transfer signings of next year as manager David Moyes personally weighs the player as competition for his number one Lukasz Fabianski.

### The Verdict: Priority?

Given the presence of Areola and just how much the Frenchman has been solid [when given the opportunity](https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2021/october/28-october/mark-noble-everyone-all-round-it-was-fantastic-night-west-ham), we believe a swoop for Johnstone arguably shouldn’t come as a necessity.

Moyes could seal a capable heir to Fabianski by triggering the buy-option for Areola, saving a lot of time in attempting to beat other clubs in the race for West Brom’s star man.

Even on a free deal, West Ham are far better prioritising a new striker signing if they haven’t already signed one by next summer, especially given the [lack of a natural alternative](https://www.whufc.com/teams/first-team/squad) to Michail Antonio.

Despite being lauded as a ‘[world class](https://thisisfutbol.com/2021/06/blogs/premier-league/wolves/exclusive-steve-bull-tells-wolves-to-sign-world-class-goalkeeper-sam-johnstone-e156/)‘ shot-stopper by former Wolves favourite Steve Bull, head of recruitment Rob Newman must surely have other positions in mind.

***In other news: ‘Can’t wait’, ‘Best news today’…ExWHUemployee’s ‘amazing’ update has many West Ham fans buzzing, find out more [here.](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/west-ham-news/west-ham-united-exwhuemployee-news-kurt-zouma-injury-latest-team-news-moyes-whufc/)***