Former Celtic winger Mikey Johnston has revealed that he delayed his eventual Celtic exit before he joined West Brom.
Completing a £3 million move on deadline day, Johnston’s journey back to The Hawthorns, where he had a successful loan stint last season, was far from straightforward. Despite scoring seven goals and providing two assists during his time at West Brom, the deal was nearly derailed by financial constraints related to fair play regulations.
In an interview with BBC Radio West Midlands, Johnston revealed that the complications surrounding financial-fair-play rules made his permanent transfer seem doubtful at times.
“I thought it was an outside chance (of happening), you know the stuff with FFP and whatever.
“I knew I was probably going to be leaving Celtic. The options that I did have I thought it was going to the last day anyway.
“It was quite late, genuinely, but I tried to give West Brom every chance so it was possible to come back.”
It was quite clear that there was no future at Celtic for the winger, despite being reintegrated into the squad at the start this season.
It’s a shame for the player that he couldn’t make it at Celtic; there was clearly a player in there. But it’s good he’s going back to a club where he thrived last season and getting some consistent minutes.
If he performs well with West Brom, he could be looking at Premier League football in the future, whether it be with the club or with a transfer after some good performances.
Best of luck to the Celtic Academy graduate.
