Crystal Palace are reportedly set to complete the signing of Sam Johnstone on a Bosman move in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Crystal Palace are set to sign Sam Johnstone on a Bosman move with the 29-year-old goalkeeper’s contract with West Bromwich Albion expiring in the summer transfer window. The Championship club confirmed Johnstone’s exit on Mary 24, leaving the English international free to sign for another club, and the Eagles seem to have made a move.
The Patrick Vieira-managed side were expected to complete the signing on Friday, May 27. But an official confirmation is yet to arrive. Crystal Palace have agreed to personal terms with the former Manchester United shot-stopper, who moved to West Bromwich Albion in 2018.
Crystal Palace were not the only club preparing to sign Johnstone, with Tottenham Hotspur showing interest as well. The goalkeeper was reportedly keen on joining Spurs, but the north London side instead went for Southampton shot-stopper Fraser Forster, who was also available as a free agent.
But Crystal Palace jumped in to complete the deal quickly to bring Johnstone back to the Premier League after a season in the EFL Championship. West Brom had gained promotion to the Premier League ahead of the 2020/21 season, with Johnstone playing all but one of their matches. But the Baggies finished 19th in the league to drop back to the second division again.
1️⃣6️⃣7️⃣ appearances, 4️⃣4️⃣ clean sheets.
Thank you for your efforts during your time at The Hawthorns, @samjohnstone. ? pic.twitter.com/nen3iRfAlR
— West Bromwich Albion (@WBA) May 24, 2022
This season, the 29-year-old goalkeeper kept 15 clean sheets in 36 Championship matches while conceding 33 goals. But the Baggies only finished 10th and will spend at least another year in the second division. In all, Johnstone made 167 appearances for West Brom, keeping 44 clean sheets in the process.
The majority of Johnstone’s career has been spent in the Championship, as he has played 217 matches in the competition. Though the English international just has 37 Premier League matches under his belt, he might expect to play first-choice for the Eagles. He will have three more shot-stoppers to contest for a starting spot in Jack Butland, Vicente Guaita and Remi Matthews at Crystal Palace.
Johnstone also has three England caps under his name, all of which came following an impressive 2020/21 season in the Premier League. The 29-year-old was also part of Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020. Now, a new adventure at Crystal Palace beckons the Englishman.
