Crystal Palace have reportedly joined the race to sign West Bromwich Albion’s 29-year-old English goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
A recent report from talkSPORT has offered an update on Crystal Palace’s transfer policy in the upcoming summer transfer window. It appears the Eagles are eyeing a Bosman move for West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, whose current deal at the club expires at the end of the season.
Formerly of the Manchester United youth academy, Johnstone has become a sought-after prospect in the market in light of unprecedented success at West Brom. In the last four years, the 29-year-old English international has racked up 167 competitive appearances, firmly establishing himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the country.
Although a majority of his appearances at West Brom have come in the Championship, Johnstone did spend the 2020/21 campaign in the Premier League. While he conceded 74 goals in 37 matches, the Englishman had made a solid impression with his shot-stopping abilities, even earning him a call-up to the England team at the end of the season.
Following years of success, the 29-year-old is prepared to take the next step in his career by joining a Premier League club. With the 2022 FIFA World Cup just around the concern, the goalkeeper feels he must play in the top flight in order to stand a chance of getting selected for the Three Lions later this year.
West Ham, Tottenham and Newcastle United have not been shy in expressing their desire to sign Johnstone at the end of the season. But the three Premier League clubs are set to face stiff competition from Crystal Palace.
In Vicente Guaita and Jack Butland, Crystal Palace have two quality goalkeepers that are more than capable of performing at the highest level of football. However, Guaita is in the final phase of his career, while Butland has had difficulties living up to this potential since his move to Selhurst Park.
It has prompted coach Patrick Vieira to join the race to sign Sam Johnstone. The Crystal Palace head coach feels the 29-year-old English international has what it takes to give Guaita a run for his money next season and eventually replace the Spaniard in the years to come.
However, with other suitors such as Tottenham offering Johnstone better prospects in the first team, it will be a surprising to see the former Manchester United starlet opting for a move to Crystal Palace, where he could face significant competition for a place in the starting eleven.
