Manchester United started the summer of 2021 with a switch to repurchase a free goalkeeper, Tom Heaton.
And with the relentless obsession of a Pokémon collector ‘trying to catch them all’, United have turned their attention to another.
The Red Devils plan to hold negotiations on the signing of former United FA Youth Cup winner Sam Johnstone, reports 90 Min.
The same business claimed three weeks ago that United were ‘considering’ Johnstone, and now it looks like this move is moving forward.
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West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper, 28, will be a free agent at the end of next season.
How Johnstone fits into United’s plans
United’s goalkeeping division may undergo a few changes this summer. Dean Henderson is likely to pursue an exit, one way or another, to try and save his fluttering World Cup hopes.
The 90 Min report claims Henderson will be sacked by Newcastle United in the summer and that they are ready to move on once their Premier League status is confirmed by being mathematically secure from relegation.
There may also be questions about David de Gea, who has only one year left on his current contract. We wrote this week how the Spaniard’s style of play may hold United back and contribute to the defensive problems.
The Mirror has also linked United with Sevilla’s Yassin Bounou, while The Sun has hailed Dundee United goalkeeper Benjamin Siegrist as a potential backup option that would be an alternative to Johnstone.
FBRef note Johnstone successfully stops 0.67 crosses in the penalty area per. match compared to De Geas 0.23.
Not a clear route to Johnstone
Johntone has other options than United. The Sun reports that progress in relation to a potential West Ham move has progressed, where he could become the club’s number one.
TEAMtalk has also linked Johnstone to a possible move to Rangers, with Football London also claiming Tottenham are interested.
Ultimately, the decision will lie with Johnstone as to whether the lure of returning to United is so great that he is willing to accept not being the first choice.
