Johnstone returns? Three goalkeepers West Brom could sign after loss v Blackpool
West Brom will look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer with their current options failing to impress.
Alex Palmer had been the Baggies’ first choice, but the Englishman joined Ipswich Town in the winter transfer window in a deal worth around £2million.
That has left Josh Griffiths and Joe Wildsmith to fight it out in between the sticks, but both goalkeepers failed to impress as West Brom lost 2-1 to Blackpool on Saturday (19 July).
Here, West Brom News suggests three goalkeepers the Baggies could sign this summer.
Sam Tickle – Wigan Athletic
Sam Tickle initially broke through for Wigan Athletic in the 2023/24 season, instantly impressing enough to feature in every single League One game that season.
The Englishman’s form caught eyes throughout the leagues, with Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United reportedly tracking the shot-stopper.
But Tickle remained with the Latics, and again started every game as Wigan finished 15th in League One last season.
The 23-year-old would likely come at some cost, with his contract not due to end until 2028, but West Brom would be adding an impressive goalkeeper with huge potential upside.
Matthew Ryan – Free agent
If it is experience West Brom are looking for, they cannot do much better than 33-year-old Matthew Ryan.
The former Arsenal and Brighton goalkeeper is a free agent, after leaving Ligue 1 club RC Lens at the end of the season and could be a great short-term option for the Baggies.
Amassing over 120 appearances in the Premier League, Ryan is known for his superb reflexes and the Australian is more than happy with the ball at his feet – a demand likely to come from Ryan Mason.
While his wages may be on the steeper side, the 33-year-old would bring bags of experience and quality to The Hawthorns.
Sam Johnstone – Wolves
Sam Johnstone will be a name well known to West Brom fans.
The England international spent four years with the Baggies before moving to Crystal Palace, but after moving to Wolves last summer, the goalkeeper endured a season largely sat behind Jose Sa.
That could allow West Brom to seek a move that would see Johnstone return to The Hawthorns this summer, with Wolves also potentially looking to part ways with the shot-stopper.
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