Manchester United are considering a surprise move to re-sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolves following their relegation from the Premier League. The 33-year-old has been at Wolves since 2024, but has not been a regular starter, making only 27 appearances in all competitions over the last two years.
Johnstone's journey from United academy
Johnstone came through the Manchester United academy but never made a first-team appearance for the Red Devils. After several loan spells, he left permanently for West Brom in 2018, later moving to Crystal Palace and then Wolves. Now, he is being linked with a return to Old Trafford to act as back-up to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
Goalkeeper situation at Old Trafford
Transfer expert Alan Nixon reports that United are looking to bring Johnstone in to deputise for the Belgian, alongside third-choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has just signed a one-year contract extension. A move may depend on what happens with current second-choice Altay Bayindir and returning Andre Onana, both expected to leave this summer.
Bayindir briefly featured in the starting XI but has been usurped by the impressive Lammens and has been linked with a return to his native Turkey. Onana, who has been on loan at Trabzonspor for the past season, is returning to Old Trafford but is not in the club's plans going forward.
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed talks are taking place to make Onana's move permanent. 'We speak with Onana every day. We won't have any financial difficulties,' he said. 'We'll make the necessary sacrifices. I don't think we will experience any setbacks. But if we do, we will find another goalkeeper of the same quality.'
United's summer transfer plans
A number of signings are expected at Old Trafford this summer as the club returns to Champions League football under manager Michael Carrick. Midfielder Ederson is arriving from Atalanta in a £35m deal, while another central midfielder is expected to be brought in. The Red Devils are also looking to strengthen at full-back and centre-back, with Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall among the names linked. Additionally, another forward could arrive, especially if Joshua Zirkzee departs amid links with a return to Serie A.
