Manchester United works on signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolves
The 33-year-old keeper would return to Old Trafford nearly a decade after leaving without ever making a senior appearance for the club
Manchester United are in active negotiations to bring Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford. The goalkeeper spent seven years in United’s academy without ever pulling on the first-team shirt. Now, at 33, he might finally get his name on the teamsheet.
The talks follow Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season, which has made Johnstone available at what should be a significantly reduced price.
A homecoming years in the making
Johnstone joined United’s academy setup in 2011 and remained on the books until 2018. During those seven years, he never made a single senior appearance for the club, instead spending time on a string of loans to gain experience.
He eventually moved to West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal, where he established himself as a reliable shot-stopper in the Championship and then the Premier League. His performances earned him senior caps for England, a significant step up from the U17 European Championship-winning squad he was part of back in 2010.
From there, Johnstone moved to Wolves, where he continued as a solid if unspectacular presence between the posts. Wolves’ drop out of the top flight, however, has changed his situation entirely.
Where Johnstone fits in the pecking order
If the deal goes through, Johnstone would slot in as the backup to first-choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens. Tom Heaton, the veteran who extended his contract for another year in June 2026, remains part of the setup as third choice.
Adding Johnstone creates a three-deep goalkeeping unit with a clear hierarchy. Lammens starts. Johnstone provides experienced backup with genuine Premier League minutes under his belt. Heaton offers veteran stability and leadership.
The financial angle matters too. Mid-2025 transfer rumors linked Johnstone with Championship clubs Burnley and Leeds, with an estimated asking price in the range of £7 million to £10 million at the time. With Wolves now relegated and Johnstone another year older, United should be able to negotiate a fee well below that original valuation, or potentially even a free transfer depending on his contract situation.