Wolverhampton Wanderers are preparing a surprise swoop for Crystal Palace and England international goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to emerging reports from the Midlands.
The 31-year-old shot-stopper is approaching the end of his contract at Selhurst Park and appears set to depart as a free agent this summer, sparking significant interest from several Premier League clubs.
Midlands Return on the Cards
Johnstone, who began his career across the Midlands at West Bromwich Albion, could be poised for a dramatic return to the region with Wolves emerging as frontrunners for his signature. The experienced keeper previously made over 150 appearances for the Baggies between 2018 and 2022, establishing himself as one of the Championship's most reliable performers before earning his Premier League move.
Current Wolves number one José Sá has faced criticism for inconsistent performances this season, prompting manager Gary O'Neil to seek genuine competition for the Portuguese international. While Sá remains highly regarded at Molineux, the club hierarchy believes introducing proper competition could elevate both keepers' performances.
Palace Departure Seems Inevitable
At Crystal Palace, Johnstone has found himself in a fierce battle for the starting position with fellow keeper Dean Henderson. Despite his England credentials, the former Manchester United academy product has struggled to secure consistent first-team football under manager Roy Hodgson.
With his contract winding down and no extension agreement in sight, Johnstone appears ready to seek regular football elsewhere. His availability on a free transfer makes him an attractive proposition for clubs mindful of Financial Fair Play regulations.
What Johnstone Would Bring to Molineux
The England international would offer Wolves several key attributes:
- Premier League experience with nearly 100 top-flight appearances
- Proven shot-stopping ability that earned him three England caps
- Homegrown status valuable for squad registration rules
- Leadership qualities developed through captaincy at West Brom
- Distribution skills suited to modern goalkeeping demands
Broader Wolves Transfer Strategy
This potential move aligns with Wolves' apparent strategy of targeting experienced Premier League players available on free transfers. With financial constraints limiting their spending power, the Midlands club must be creative in the market while still seeking to improve their squad depth and quality.
The pursuit of Johnstone also suggests Wolves are preparing for potential departures, with backup goalkeeper Dan Bentley potentially seeking more regular football elsewhere after limited opportunities since arriving from Bristol City.
As the summer transfer window approaches, this developing story represents one of the first significant moves in what promises to be another busy period of Premier League recruitment.
