Manchester United eye Wolves’ Sam Johnstone for backup goalkeeper role
Priya Nambiar July 03, 2026 05:52 AM

Manchester United are reportedly targeting Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as a potential addition to their squad this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers moved swiftly to complete some key transfer deals before the official opening of the summer window. However, since the window began, things have remained relatively quiet at Molineux.

Following their relegation from the Premier League last season, Wolves are preparing for their first Championship campaign in eight years and are determined to secure an immediate return to the top flight.

The Black Country club made headlines in mid-June when they dismissed Welsh manager Rob Edwards and appointed Portuguese coach Cesar Peixoto, who arrives as a relatively unknown figure in English football.

One familiar face returning to the club, however, is Mexican striker Raul Jimenez, who rejoins Wolves after three years away. He will be accompanied by experienced former England international Kieran Trippier, both expected to bring leadership and quality to the side.

The duo’s arrival will inject much-needed experience into the team, especially as Wolves could lose some seasoned players this summer, with Manchester United showing interest in one of their senior squad members.

In recent seasons, Wolves’ goalkeeping spot has lacked a consistent first-choice option. Jose Sa, Daniel Bentley, and Sam Johnstone have each had opportunities to secure the role, but none have firmly established themselves as the undisputed number one.

Heading into the new season, it remains uncertain whether Peixoto will select Sa, Bentley, or Johnstone as his preferred goalkeeper, though current indications suggest Johnstone may not be his first choice.

According to talkSPORT, Manchester United are considering a move for Johnstone this summer to serve as one of their backup goalkeepers—a position previously filled by players such as Lee Grant, Jack Butland, and Tom Heaton in past seasons.

Johnstone, aged 33, joined Wolves two years ago from Crystal Palace in a £10 million deal intended to strengthen competition between the posts. Since arriving at Molineux, he has made just 19 league appearances, roughly a quarter of the matches available during his tenure.

His case wasn’t helped by an injury late last season, which kept him sidelined after spending the previous 14 matches on the bench. With two years remaining on his contract, Wolves are expected to seek a significant portion of the £10 million they initially paid to recover part of their investment.

Johnstone, a product of Manchester United’s academy, would also help the Red Devils meet their homegrown player requirements. His career has included spells at Preston North End, Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, and most recently Wolves.

With Senne Lammens set to be Michael Carrick’s first-choice goalkeeper at Old Trafford and Andre Onana returning to Trabzonspor on loan, United are in need of a reliable backup. Johnstone’s profile fits both their squad depth and registration criteria, making him an appealing target.

Whether Wolves are open to selling, and at what price, remains to be seen. However, this potential transfer could unfold over the coming weeks as discussions progress.

As Peixoto begins shaping his plans for the Championship campaign, he will be assessing which players he expects to retain. Johnstone’s future remains uncertain, but Peixoto’s decision on his main goalkeeper will be crucial.

If United’s offer proves attractive, Peixoto may find the decision made for him. For now, though, Johnstone remains a Wolves player, and despite United’s interest, he could still emerge as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper next season.

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