Leeds United are reportedly ramping up their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ahead of a potential summer swoop. The Lilywhites are eager to bolster their options between the sticks as their goalkeeping department has come under heavy scrutiny in the Championship this season due to a series of costly errors from Illan Meslier. Karl Darlow has recently leapfrogged Meslier as the first-choice shot-stopper, but that’s not seen as a sustainable, long-term solution at Elland Road.
The Sun reports Johnstone is on Leeds’ radar and an approach is looking increasingly likely as other options on the shortlist - Burnley’s James Trafford and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope - are proving too dear and tricky to convince. Johnstone, who only signed for Wolves from Crystal Palace last summer for a fee of £10 million, is seen as a decent alternative given his experience and pedigree. The 32-year-old has played four times for England and has made 73 appearances in the Premier League throughout his career, as well as 217 in the Championship.
Leeds, expected to be promoted to the English top tier alongside Burnley, will be hoping Johnstone can reach the Premier League form he has shown in the past. It’s not been an easy year for the goalkeeper as he has played just seven times for Wolves, conceding 17 goals and keeping no clean sheets, but he’s undoubtedly got talent. The Sun’s report states Wolves will demand £10 million from Leeds or any other potential suitors as they seek to avoid making an unnecessary loss. It’s an understandable stance, especially as the Old Gold will have to take great care to remain in line with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules (PSR).
A product of Manchester United’s academy, Johnstone spent the bulk of his seven years at Old Trafford out on loan. Doncaster Rovers, Aston Villa, and Preston North End were among the clubs to borrow his services before West Bromwich Albion tied him to a permanent deal in 2018. A season at Crystal Palace followed four years at The Hawthorns, before Johnstone was recruited by Albion’s bitter local rivals, Wolves. It’s a shame it hasn’t worked out at Molineux, but Jose Sa has returned to form at just the wrong moment for Johnstone.
Having clinched Premier League survival on Easter Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Manchester United, Wolves can now look ahead to next season without guilt. Vitor Pereira had the winter window to sign the likes of Emmanuel Agbadou, Marshall Munetsi, and Nasser Djiga, but he’s yet to have a full summer to properly make his mark on the squad. The 56-year-old head coach is expected to hold talks over extending his Wolves contract, and he’s bound to be backed by the board in the transfer market as a result. He could have money to spend, too, as Matheus Cunha is likely to see his £62.5 million release clause activated, in turn bolstering the budget available. An important few months await.
As for Leeds, they are not only eyeing Johnstone but have also been linked with other goalkeepers, including Southampton's Aaron Ramsdale, who has a relegation release clause valued at £25 million. James Trafford of Burnley, who has been nominated for the Championship Player of the Season award, is also on their radar. However, with Trafford likely to make a move to Newcastle, the chances of securing Pope remain slim.
Nick Pope has largely been Newcastle United’s first-choice goalkeeper since joining from Burnley in the summer of 2022. However, the club has a number of goalkeepers on the books and continues to be linked with a move for a fresh option. Indeed, Newcastle are interested in signing James Trafford this summer and have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the Burnley stopper. Eddie Howe has been full of praise for Pope’s attitude in training, saying he has trained “outstandingly well” since the Carabao Cup final.
Still, the England international’s future is unclear. Everton have been linked with Pope, while an update on the reported interest from Leeds has now emerged. According to The Sun, Leeds are keen on signing an experienced goalkeeper to replace the divisive Illan Meslier. The Frenchman is reportedly set to lead Elland Road after dropping out of the starting lineup of late, with former Newcastle goalkeeper Karl Darlow replacing him. The Yorkshire giants are said to be keen on Pope but could instead pursue and accelerate a move for Wolves custodian Sam Johnstone.
Deals to sign either Trafford or Pope are seen as potentially difficult due to the price tags involved. If Trafford does arrive at Newcastle, it would only add further pressure on Pope to perform. Clearly, a brilliant shot stopper on his day, Newcastle fans have been split on Pope’s recent form. Still, Trafford wouldn’t instantly replace Pope if he does sign for Newcastle; he would first need to prove himself worthy of the No.1 spot at St James’ Park. In an ideal world, Newcastle would keep Pope and sign Trafford. It remains to be seen if that is possible, however.
Leeds United’s goalkeeping department has faced intense scrutiny this season, with Illan Meslier having made a series of costly errors. The club's decision to explore options like Johnstone reflects their commitment to strengthening their squad ahead of a potential return to the Premier League. As they prepare for the summer transfer window, Leeds will need to act decisively to secure the right players and ensure they are ready to compete at the highest level once again.
With the future of several key players uncertain, including Meslier, Pope, and Trafford, the coming months promise to be pivotal for all involved. Leeds United's ambition to return to the top flight hinges on their ability to navigate these challenges effectively. As the situation unfolds, fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on potential signings and the direction their club is heading.
