Crystal Palace lead the race to sign free agent Sam Johnstone

Crystal Palace emerge as contenders to sign Sam Johnstone after he left West Brom on a free… with the stopper keen to play regular football in a bid to make England’s World Cup squad

  • Sam Johnstone won three caps for England last year and made the Euros squad
  • The 29-year-old was a regular for West Brom this season as they finished tenth
  • Crystal Palace hope to sign him amid uncertainty over their goalkeepers’ futures
  • Johnstone is well thought of in the England setup but faces tough competition 

Sam Johnstone is prioritising securing a No.1 role in a bid to boost his England prospects as Crystal Palace emerge as contenders for his signature.

Johnstone was part of England’s squad for last summer’s Euros and is well thought of within the England setup.

However, ahead of the World Cup later this year he has slipped down the pecking order amid competition from Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale to backup Jordan Pickford and been left out of Gareth Southgate’s latest squad for England’s upcoming Nations League fixtures.

Sam Johnstone has been a regular presence in goal for West Brom for the past four seasons

Johnstone’s departure from West Brom on a free transfer was confirmed this week after playing 36 Championship games this season.

The Baggies finished a disappointing 10th as Steve Bruce’s mid-season appointment failed to propel them towards promotion.

Johnstone had been on the radar of Tottenham, among a number of other Premier League clubs.

However, Spurs were looking for a No.2 to Hugo Lloris and have opted to sign Fraser Forster who is poised to join on a free following the expiry of his Southampton contract.

Patrick Vieira’s side are looking to add a keeper amid uncertainty over Vincente Guaita

Crystal Palace are among the club’s keeping an eye on the goalkeeper market this summer amid uncertainty over the future of their first choice Vicente Guaita, who has expressed a desire to one day return to Spain, and his backup Jack Butland, prompting the south Londoners to consider a move for Johnstone.

The 29-year-old keeper does have Premier League experience with West Brom, but it came in a poor campaign for the club two seasons ago that saw them relegated to the Championship. 




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