Manchester United have reportedly expressed interest in former youth player and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
If reports from 90 min are to be believed, Manchester United have joined the race to sign Sam Johnstone. The Premier League giants are preparing for life without Dean Henderson, with the West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper being considered as a potential replacement. Johnstone is expected to leave the Hawthorns in the summer, putting multiple clubs on alert.
A product of the Manchester United youth academy, Johnstone has been a part of West Brom since 2018. During his three-and-a-half-year spell at the club, the goalkeeper has racked up over 150 competitive appearances, establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in England.
Johnstone was involved in all of the Championship matches in his first two seasons at West Brom before making an impression in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign. Despite being relegated in 2021, the goalkeeper has continued to earn rave reviews for his consistent performances and has even won three caps for England since making his debut in June 2021.
Johnstone’s success at West Brom has made him one of the most sought-after goalkeepers in England. And with the Baggies unlikely to win promotion to the Premier League next season, his spell at the Hawthorns could soon come to an end, with his contract running out in June.
The likes of Tottenham and West Ham United had been linked with a move for the 28-year-old English international earlier in the season. However, it appears a potential return to Manchester United could be on the cards as well, with the Red Devils courting him as a replacement for Dean Henderson.
The 24-year-old is reportedly keen on sealing an exit from Old Trafford and was even linked with a January deadline day move to Watford. Newcastle United remain keen on securing his services as well, and the Englishman is destined to leave Manchester United after the end of the season, as he wishes to get regular game-time.
Henderson’s potential exit could leave the club without a viable alternative for David de Gea, who has recently voiced his desire to continue his career at Old Trafford. While the Red Devils were linked with a move for David Ospina in January, Johnstone could prove to be a significant upgrade and an excellent back-up for de Gea, given his experience in English football.
However, it remains unlikely that the English international would want to join a club where he may have to play second fiddle, especially with the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the corner. Hence, Manchester United may have to set their sights on other alternatives in their quest to find a replacement for Henderson next summer.
