West Brom must sort £12.5k-a-week star's transfer situation - Ryan Mason cannot let it linger for long | OneFootball

After his failed move to Flamengo, West Brom must quickly resolve the situation surrounding Mikey Johnston's future at the club.

West Brom winger Mikey Johnston's proposed transfer to Brazilian giants Flamengo collapsed earlier this week, and the Baggies need to sort out a resolution sooner rather than later.

After finishing ninth in the Championship last term, Albion were set to cash in on the wideman, who arrived on a permanent transfer from Celtic last summer.

Following the signings of Nat Phillips and striker Aune Heggebø, a lucrative sale would have strengthened the club's standing with the closely monitored profit and sustainability rules (PSR).

Thought to be heading to South America for a reported £5 million fee, the deal for Johnston was suddenly cancelled, leaving the Baggies in an awkward position.

Mikey Johnston's failed Brazilian move

After theories circulated following the collapse of the move, a Brazilian journalist revealed that the club's technical director, Jose Boto, was behind the deal, as reported by the Express and Star.

Boto explained that there were two reasons that Flamengo backed out of the deal. He states that there has been an emergence of a 'better option', alongside concerns over the limit of foreign players in the squad.

With these doubts ultimately ending the chance of a move, Johnston has joined Ryan Mason's squad in Austria as the club's pre-season preparations commence.

Johnston had already said his goodbyes before the deal fell through, leaving both the Black Country outfit and Johnston in a precarious scenario.

Johnston's situation requires sorting - Albion cannot let it linger

While Johnston won't be making the switch to Brazil this summer, the fact that a fee of £5 million was seemingly accepted for the Irishman could see other clubs look to make a move for a similar price.

If the Baggies can earn a profit on a player who disappointed during large parts of the 2024/25 campaign, then that would be seen as a great bit of business during a window where West Brom will be desperate not to sell the likes of Tom Fellows to stay on the right side of PSR.

According to Vene Casagrande on X, Mikey Johnston would have earned 8.4 million Brazilian Real per year, which equates to £21,600 per week, whilst at Flamengo.

Johnston's estimated weekly wage whilst at West Brom on the contract he signed until the end of the 2027/28 season sees him earn £12,500 per week.

A defining call early in Mason's reign - his stance will be crucial

This scenario hands Ryan Mason his first major off-field decision as West Brom head coach.

Appointed to steer the club into a new era, Mason is now tasked with balancing the club's PSR demands with what Johnson could contribute on the pitch.

The former Tottenham interim boss may feel that there's still untapped potential in Johnston, but he will also be aware that Albion cannot afford distractions or passengers heading into the aforementioned new era.

If a suitable bid comes in, Mason may be content to see Johnston depart, particularly if it means preserving the likes of Fellows. If not, he will need to manage the reintegration of a player who, just days ago, had mentally moved on.

How Mason handles this early challenge could shape the tone of the early stages of his tenure. Clarity and decisiveness are needed ahead of a vital pre-season period.