Celtic Receive Boost In Pursuit Of This Out-of-favour Former Premier League Keeper: What Should The Hoops Do | OneFootball

If a report from The Glasgow Times is true, Celtic have received a boost in pursuit of Sam Johnstone. According to The Daily Mail, the Hoops have been weighing up a move for the Wolves goalkeeper, and recent comments from Molineux manager Cesar Peixoto would encourage the Scottish champions.

Manchester United scout Colin Fairhurst spotted the 33-year-old former England international while he was playing for Chorley-based club Euxton Villa. Despite being roped in by the Red Devils, he spent most of his time on loan across the Championship and League One with Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers, Preston North End and Aston Villa.

Spell In The Premier League

Johnstone’s emergence earned him a £6.5m transfer to newly relegated West Bromwich Albion, despite making no senior appearances for the Red Devils. He helped them secure promotion to the top flight in 2020, only to be relegated a year later. But the custodian returned to the Premier League in 2022, when he completed a Bosman move to Crystal Palace to challenge and cover Vicente Guaita.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 03: Sam Johnstone of Wolverhampton Wanderers kicks upfield whilst under pressure from Igor Jesus of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest at Molineux on December 03, 2025 in Wolverhampton, England. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

Wolves snapped him up for £10m in the summer of 2024 following Dean Henderson’s rise at Selhurst Park. However, he could not replace José Sá in goal and is now expected to ply his trade elsewhere after the arrival of João Virgínia and John Ruddy in their battle for an immediate Premier League return.

Why Celtic Might Bring Him To Parkhead As Schmeichel’s Successor?

Celtic are in the market for another shot-stopper all summer, but have prioritised other areas. Viljami Sinisalo has grabbed his opportunities with sheer expertise, as he has cemented the ‘number 1’ spot since Kasper Schmeichel’s shoulder injury earlier this year. The Dane has now retired from the game, leaving the Bhoys with Ross Doohan as the only other senior option in the last line of defence.

Apparently, the Celts changed their strategy, considering their policy of recruiting high-profile veterans to provide immediate leadership and stability to bridge short-term needs. Schmeichel was tied down as a like-for-like replacement for Joe Hart. But rumours surrounding Blackburn’s Balazs Toth and Leo Cavallius of Swedish side IF Brommapojkarna suggested they are seeking a younger alternative to facilitate a rotation. Signing Johnstone could see them revert to the old model, as the Englishman could be deployed as a first choice for at least a couple of campaigns.