West Bromwich Albion manager Carlos Corberan shared that Mikey Johnston expressed his desire to return to the club just moments after their play-off heartbreak at Southampton. The winger, who is an international player for the Republic of Ireland, has completed a £3 million move to The Hawthorns from Celtic, thanks to the backing of the club’s ownership, Bilkul Football.
During his loan spell last season, Johnston, also known as Magic Mikey, scored seven goals in 20 games with stunning performances on the wing. Although his contributions boosted Albion’s play-off aspirations, they fell short of reaching the Wembley final for a Premier League promotion.
Despite interest from other clubs such as Burnley and Sheffield United, Johnston’s return to Albion was made possible as Celtic was open to a permanent transfer within the financial regulations. Corberan recalled a touching moment with Johnston after the loss to Southampton when the player expressed his love for the club and his desire to remain.
Corberan stated that Johnston’s addition signifies a positive step for the club, demonstrating the owner’s commitment to the team’s vision and ambitions. The manager also confirmed that Johnston’s signing would likely be the final one for the summer transfer window, unless a significant player departure occurred unexpectedly. Initially looking for a striker, the club shifted focus to securing Johnston due to his positive impact and goal contributions.
With Johnston’s return, Albion looks forward to a promising future with a strong attacking lineup and a player who is eager to contribute positively to the team.
