Derby want deadline-busting deal for West Brom's Mikey Johnston
Derby County are reportedly trying to rush through a deadline-busting deal for West Brom winger Mikey Johnston before the summer transfer window closes. Journalist Alan Nixon says John Eustace wants the 27-year-old to add flair to a promotion-chasing side, though West Brom may resist selling a player James Morrison relies on for creative spark.
The link emerged on Sunday as Derby continue backing Eustace in the market after an uneven start to the 2026-27 season. For more breaking football transfer updates, follow our Celebrity Breaking News coverage.
Key Takeaways
- Alan Nixon reported via Patreon that Derby want Mikey Johnston or Ipswich's Anis Mehmeti, according to Yahoo Sports and Inside Futbol.
- Any move may require a deadline-busting swoop if West Brom hold firm in negotiations.
- Johnston scored two goals with eight assists last season but missed 11 Championship matches with a stress fracture.
- Derby have already signed former Baggies midfielder Alex Mowatt and could raid West Brom again.
- It remains unclear whether Johnston or Mehmeti will be sold before the window shuts.
Why does Derby want Mikey Johnston?
Derby County are trying to strengthen wide areas as John Eustace targets a promotion push. The Rams lost their Championship opener at Charlton Athletic and were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Lincoln City before picking up a first point with a 2-2 home draw against Cardiff City on Saturday.
Johnston fits the profile of an attacking upgrade. The 27-year-old Irish winger made 37 appearances for West Brom last season, scoring twice and supplying nine assists according to Inside Futbol. Yahoo Sports credited him with eight assists over the same campaign.
Nixon's report suggests Derby are in a queue for Johnston alongside interest in Mehmeti. Eustace has already landed Sammie Szmodics and Alex Mowatt from West Brom this summer, signalling intent to add experienced Championship quality.
What is West Brom's stance on selling Johnston?
West Brom may prove tough negotiators. Yahoo Sports notes head coach James Morrison would be reluctant to lose Johnston, who nearly joined Flamengo last summer before the Brazilian club pulled out over injury concerns.
The Baggies previously blocked a winter sale despite Sheffield United interest. Johnston stayed at The Hawthorns and remains a key figure, though he did not start last weekend's 2-1 win at Norwich City.
On Sunday, West Brom hosted Burnley at The Hawthorns as speculation grew over whether Johnston would return to the starting line-up. The club's perfect start to the season, covered live by the BBC, underlined how much attacking depth Morrison wants to keep.
Could Derby miss out before the deadline?
Nothing is guaranteed. Nixon cautioned that it is not certain either Johnston or Mehmeti will move, and Derby would face substantial competition if they do become available.
Mehmeti joined Ipswich from Bristol City for around £3.5 million in January and signed a contract running until 2029. It is unclear what fee Ipswich would demand or whether a loan could be considered.
For Johnston, the clock is ticking. Yahoo Sports described the situation as a potential deadline-busting swoop, meaning paperwork and negotiations may need to accelerate sharply in the window's final days.
What happens next for Mikey Johnston?
Johnston's future is back under the microscope at The Hawthorns. After a season disrupted by a stress fracture in his ankle, he returned as one of Morrison's main creative outlets.
Derby's interest adds a new layer before the transfer window closes. Whether the Rams can agree terms with West Brom will determine if Johnston follows Mowatt from B71 to Pride Park.
Until a deal is confirmed, supporters on both sides will watch team selections and late-window rumours for the clearest signal of what comes next.