Wolves exit: Ex-West Brom star could make shock Molineux departure – John Percy
Wolves could be set to lose the services of former West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone in January, according to John Percy.
The Telegraph journalist reported [2 January] that Johnstone could be a “surprise exit” from Molineux having played just seven times since joining Albion’s bitter rivals from Crystal Palace ahead of the start of this season.
The England international stopper, 31, could struggle to permanently displace Jose Sa having lost his place following the arrival of new boss Vitor Pereira.
Albion are currently scouring the market themselves for any potential January additions [Express & Star, 31 December], but are prioritising the appointment of a new manager having lost Carlos Corberan to Valencia over Christmas.
As for matters across the Black Country, Percy said: “Wolves are in contract talks with the outstanding Matheus Cunha and insist he is not for sale in January. A surprise exit could be goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, signed from Crystal Palace in the summer.”
West Brom enjoyed success with Sam Johnstone
West Brom were settled with Johnstone as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper between 2018 and 2022, in both the Championship and the Premier League.
The former Manchester United ‘keeper made a total of 167 appearances at The Hawthorns, before departing for Palace in a permanent top-flight switch.
It hurt sections of the Baggies fanbase to see their former number one move to Molineux last summer, but his sporadic appearances under Gary O’Neil look now to have dried up following Pereira’s appointment, and his preference for compatriot Sa between the posts.
Johnstone may search for regular game time elsewhere with years precious on his career, but also nowhere close to the twilight zone in goalkeeper terms, turning 32 this March.
As for the Baggies these days, Alex Palmer has been the club’s regular stopper for the past three years and has become part of a well-praised defensive unit, particularly during the Corberan days.
In other West Brom news, Chris Lepkowski makes an “amazed” admission regarding Lewis Dobbin.
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