Could Sam Johnstone Be Heading to Sunderland?
Being a newly promoted team in the Premier League is never easy. Playing in the top league in the world, against the best players and toughest teams, is a huge challenge for any club. For Sunderland, getting back to the topflight is something to celebrate, but it also means a lot of hard work ahead. One of their biggest needs is defense, and Sam Johnstone could be the first step in fixing it.
Sam Johnstone brings lots of Premier League experience that could be vital for Sunderland's survival hopes. The 31-year-old goalkeeper has spent time with clubs like West Brom, Crystal Palace, and, most recently, Wolves. With Sunderland in need of a strong presence between the posts, Johnstone could easily be their guy and maybe as low as a price of £10 million. He’s the kind of player who could step in right away and make a difference.
Right now, Johnstone is with Wolves, where he’s been sharing time with fellow goalkeeper José Sá. Although Wolves had a rough season, they managed to stay up, but the competition for the starting spot remains tight. Both keepers are talented and capable of being the number one, which has made it hard for either to fully lock down the role. For Johnstone, a move to Sunderland could offer the consistent minutes he’s been missing.
Johnstone, who is currently earning £40,000 per week at Wolves, will likely be eager for more consistent game time after making just seven Premier League appearances last season. Despite his limited action, he still managed 23 saves but failed to keep a clean sheet. He conceded 17 goals and ended the season with a save percentage of 58%, averaging just under three and a half saves per game. With minutes hard to come by behind José Sá, a move away could give him the fresh start he needs.
Sunderland have already made some big moves this summer, showing they’re serious about staying in the Premier League. They broke their transfer record to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for £30 million, and made Enzo Le Fée’s move permanent after a strong loan spell from AS Roma. The club also brought in Noah Sadiki for £15 million from Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise. Now, Sunderland could have the chance to add Sam Johnstone to their growing list of new signings.
Sunderland have made it clear they’re building a squad ready to compete in the Premier League. Adding a proven goalkeeper like Sam Johnstone would only strengthen their chances of staying up. With experience, leadership, and a point to prove, Johnstone could be the perfect fit. If the deal goes through, it might be one of the smartest moves they make all summer.
