Valerien Ismael is planning for life without Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira at West Bromwich Albion. England goalkeeper Johnstone and Pereira impressed last season, despite Albion’s relegation from the Premier League. According to reports, Arsenal are interested in signing Johnstone while Aston Villa have been linked with Pereira. Both players are expected to command big transfer fees, especially Pereira after his haul of 11 goals and six assists in the top flight last term. Former Baggies boss Sam Allardyce believes Pereira has the potential to become ‘a top player in the Premier League’ and Ismael isn’t expecting to keep hold of the Brazilian or Johnstone.
Valerian Ismael said: “It’s not a secret that Sam Johnstone and Matheus Pereira can maybe leave the club. It’s my expectation that they (will) leave. But, as I say, I don’t need the best players, I need the right players for the position. Even if they leave we will find the solution or we will reinvest the money. Maybe we have someone in the academy able to take that position.”
Johnstone isn’t due to report back to Albion’s training ground until England’s Euros campaign has concluded, but Ismael has already held talks with Pereira.
Valerian Ismael added: “After I signed I had some video calls with all the players and for the first time with Pereira. We spoke really openly about the situation. I don’t have a problem. We made it simple, you are in or you are out. But if you are in, you are 100 per cent. He said if he came back and trained he would give 100 per cent, so at the minute he is focused. I can’t say anything else.”
