Flamengo eye surprise move for West Brom star | OneFootball

Flamengo are closing in on the signing of Mikey Johnston from West Bromwich Albion, with the transfer expected to be worth around £5 million plus performance bonuses, Globo and Express & Star report. Discussions between the clubs are at an advanced stage as Flamengo look to bolster their attacking options ahead of the next window.

Johnston, 26, is a right-footed winger who prefers to operate on the left but can also be deployed on the opposite wing. He made 41 appearances for West Brom in the English Championship last season, contributing three goals and five assists. The Glasgow-born attacker, who represents the Republic of Ireland at international level, was initially on loan at West Brom from Celtic before making the move permanent in 2023. Johnston spent a season with Vitória de Guimarães in Portugal earlier in his career. Across all competitions and clubs, he has featured in 181 matches, scoring 26 goals.

His standout campaign came in 2023, during his first stint with West Brom, where he registered seven goals and two assists in 20 matches. That form prompted West Brom to purchase him outright from Celtic. Johnston has represented Scotland at youth level but switched allegiance to Ireland for his senior international career.

Flamengo’s search for attacking reinforcements has been a priority this season. In addition to targeting Johnston, the club is advancing in negotiations with Jorge Carrascal for a midfield role to provide rotation alongside Arrascaeta.

The pursuit of Johnston, a winger with experience across the Scottish Premiership, Portuguese top flight, and English Championship, reflects Flamengo’s drive for greater depth and width in attack. The deal structure includes performance-based add-ons, a signal of Flamengo’s faith in Johnston’s ability to adapt and contribute in Brazilian football.

(Sources: Globo, Express & Star)

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