Crystal Palace in talks to make West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone their first summer signing
Crystal Palace are expected to make West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone their first signing of the summer, according to The Athletic.
The online news outlet reports that Palace are in talks with the 29-year-old England international, who will be leaving The Hawthorns on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of June.
West Brom confirmed via their official website on 24 May that Johnstone will be parting ways with the Baggies, four years after signing from Manchester United.
All the best, Sam
It’ll be a good move for Johnstone to join Palace as long as he’s getting regular game-time.
The exit-bound Baggies number one will no doubt want to keep alive his hopes of getting into the England squad for the World Cup this summer.
It has been a tough season for Johnstone at The Hawthorns this term with his form dropping significantly after an impressive campaign in the Premier League in 2020/21.
But it looks as though he’s set for a long deal at Selhurst Park, with Palace reportedly in talks over a five-year deal.
Johnstone’s issue at Palace will be that he’s going to have to compete for the number one spot with Vicente Guaita.
The 34-year-old Spaniard has been a solid goalkeeper for the Eagles so it won’t be easy to displace him in Patrick Vieira’s starting line-up.
Jack Butland is also on the books at Palace but The Athletic claims that the ex-Stoke goalkeeper could be moved on as Johnstone’s arrival will bump him down to third in the pecking order.
Johnstone’s done a decent job at West Brom and there’s no denying that the goalkeeping department at The Hawthorns is losing a lot of quality due to his departure.
However, there are more pressing concerns for Steve Bruce and Ron Gourlay to deal with this summer so using the funds freed up from Johnstone’s exit to strengthen the attack and midfield could be a wise move.
In other West Brom news, Matheus Pereira has sent a message to this player who’s exited The Hawthorns.
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