Wolves star turns Celtic transfer target amid ex Aston Villa ace's 'increasingly uncertain' Molineux future
Celtic have set their sights on a former Aston Villa man now with Wolves.
Celtic have been linked with a Wolves star facing an uncertain Molineux future as the race to make final summer signings begins.
The Hoops are licking their wounds after a disastrous Champions League play-off loss to LASK where they blew a four-goal lead. That is likely to have a bearing on signings but that doesn’t mean nobody will come in with Europa League matches still to come. They are seeking reinforcements in goals with Viljami Sinisalo and Ross Doohan the only senior options currently.
Nick Pope at Newcastle United has been linked but now Sam Johnstone is in the frame. Capped by England, he started out at Manchester United and had significant loan experience with clubs like Aston Villa, since featuring for West Brom, Crystal Palace and now Wolves. His future at Molineux is not set in stone and a Celtic deal could develop quickly before the window shuts on September 3.
Who could Celtic sign from Wolves?
Reporting from the Daily Mail reads: “Celtic are understood to be considering a move for experienced Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they assess their options following their disastrous exit from the Champions League. Johnstone has emerged as a potential option.
“The 33-year-old England international is at Wolves but his future at Molineux is increasingly uncertain following the club’s relegation to the Championship and subsequent changes to their goalkeeping department. Johnstone underwent shoulder surgery towards the end of last season, which ruled him out of the final matches of the campaign and disrupted his pre-season. However, he has been back training for several weeks, has regained full movement in the shoulder and is effectively back to full fitness.
“Despite his return to fitness, there are significant doubts over whether Johnstone features in new Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto’s long-term plans. Jose Sa returned to the side following his involvement at the World Cup, while Wolves have moved to agree a £1.3million deal for Sporting Lisbon goalkeeper Joao Virginia and are in talks to bring back John Ruddy, another indication that the goalkeeping order at Molineux is changing.
Why would Sam Johnstone leave Wolves?
“Although Dan Bentley has recently departed for Coventry City, Wolves have openly spoken about wanting another goalkeeper and would be willing to allow Johnstone to leave. The arrival of Virginia leaves Johnstone facing an uncertain battle for football and little evidence of a long-term future at Wolves, potentially opening the door for Celtic. Johnstone would bring considerable experience to Celtic Park. The former Manchester United academy goalkeeper has made more than 350 senior appearances during spells with West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace, Aston Villa and Wolves, while he has also represented England at senior level.
“At 33, he could offer Celtic an experienced and proven presence at a time when the club are looking for greater stability following the extraordinary collapse against LASK. With the transfer deadline approaching and Johnstone now nearing complete match fitness, it could be a situation that develops quickly. Celtic need a response after their Champions League humiliation and Johnstone needs regular football. A move to Glasgow could potentially suit both parties.”
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