CONFIRMED: Wolves Complete the Signing of £10m Crystal Palace Star | OneFootball

Sam Johnstone Secures Move to Wolves from Crystal Palace

In a strategic move within the Premier League, Wolverhampton Wanderers have secured the signature of goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace, a deal finalised at £10 million. This acquisition marks a significant step for Wolves as they aim to bolster their squad ahead of the upcoming season.

Strategic Acquisition for Wolves

After missing out on Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, Wolves have swiftly redirected their focus, bringing in Johnstone on a four-year contract. At 31, Johnstone brings a wealth of experience from his time in the Premier League, notably with a two-year stint at Crystal Palace and an earlier spell at West Brom, one of Wolves’ regional rivals.

Wolves’ sporting director, Matt Hobbs, expressed his satisfaction with the signing: “It’s great for us to have a player with a huge amount of Premier League experience and an international goalkeeper.” He further noted, “It’s finding the right balance between the level of investment, what it adds to the squad and what it enables us to do for the rest of the squad.”

Photo: IMAGO

Experience and Expertise

Johnstone’s career began at Manchester United, although he never solidified his position in the first team. A move to West Brom gave him the platform to establish himself as a top-flight goalkeeper, which eventually led to his free transfer to Crystal Palace in 2022. During his tenure at Selhurst Park, Johnstone accumulated 34 appearances.

However, the arrival of Dean Henderson at Palace saw Johnstone relegated to the bench, prompting his switch to Molineux. The goalkeeper humorously commented on his change in squad number at Palace, “New day, new number,” followed by emojis and the number 32 presented in a circle of different colours.

Implications for Wolves

This transfer is more than just a change of scenery for Johnstone; it’s a chance to reclaim a starting role and contribute to Wolves’ ambitions in the league. His experience at both club and international level (having earned four senior caps for England) will be invaluable, especially considering the competitive nature of the Premier League.

Further Strengthening on the Horizon

Wolves’ activity in the transfer market doesn’t stop with Johnstone. The club is reportedly close to finalising a deal for Andre, a midfielder from Fluminense, with the transfer fee rumoured to be around £21 million. This indicates a clear intent from Wolves to enhance their squad comprehensively, addressing both defensive and midfield areas.

This proactive approach in the transfer market, securing experienced players like Johnstone and eyeing promising talent like Andre, showcases Wolves’ strategic planning to ascend in the Premier League standings. Fans will undoubtedly be keen to see how these new additions integrate and impact the team’s performance in the coming seasons.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Johnstone and his potential to fortify Wolves’ last line of defence, a crucial factor in their quest for a successful campaign in the top tier of English football.