Why Mikey Johnston's move from West Brom to Flamengo collapsed - New reasons have emerged | OneFootball

The reason behind Mikey Johnston's failed move has now emerged

West Brom winger Mikey Johnston's proposed transfer to Brazilian giants Flamengo collapsed earlier this week, and fresh reasoning has now been revealed for that.

The Baggies - who only managed to finish ninth in the Championship last year - were set to cash in on Johnston, who only signed for the club permanently last summer from Celtic.

Albion have already signed Nat Phillips and striker Aune Heggebø in the early stages of the window, and with profit & sustainability rules being closely watched, a big-money sale would have put the club in a strong position.

Johnston was thought to be heading out to Brazil for a £5 million fee, until the deal was suddenly cancelled. Now, the reason behind Mengão’s decision to pull out of a transfer has been revealed.

Truth emerges over Mikey Johnston’s failed Flamengo transfer

Multiple theories had been conjured over why the move was called off, from fan outrage to a sub-par medical, but the real reason has now been made clear.

A Brazilian journalist reportedly conversed with the club’s technical director, Jose Boto, who had fuelled Flamengo’s pursuit of Johnston.

Boto revealed that there were two reasons why Mengão had backed out of the deal.

He stated that a 'better option' had come to the fore, alongside concerns over the limit of foreign players in the squad.

These doubts ultimately scuppered the move, with Johnston now joining the Baggies in Austria for their pre-season camp instead after his dream move to South America was taken away from him.

West Bromwich Albion may still push for Mikey Johnston sale this summer if £5m fee can be met

A transfer falling through is never what a selling club and outgoing player wants, due to the awkward fallout it creates.

Johnston had said goodbye to his teammates at West Brom’s training camp a few days ago, but will now have to return knowing that his failed move to Brazil has been widely reported.

The Black Country outfit were set to receive the £5 million fee up front by selling Johnston, which would have been crucial for their fight against PSR.

If Mason was willing to commission a sale for the 26-year-old, he may not see the Irishman as an important component of his team for next year.

This means that Johnston may be returning to a team that doesn’t really have a place for him, a nightmare scenario for any player.

It’s imaginable that both the club and player will actively look for another buyer, but it’s unknown whether another team will fork out £5 million for the forward’s services.

Just three goals for the Baggies last term certainly doesn’t command that fee, and the opportunity may now have passed for Johnston to exit The Hawthorns for such an amount - if it does come back to the table though from another team, then it would surely be accepted.