Crystal Palace are set to sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a four-year deal, reports Dominic Fifield of The Athletic.
The England international will leave Championship side West Bromwich Albion when his contract expires on July 1.
Joining Palace gives the 29-year-old the chance to return to the Premier League, where he featured for the Baggies in the 2020/21 season and could put him back in the frame for a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England sides.
Sam Johnstone Agrees Crystal Palace Move
Sam Johnstone ✅
4-year deal ✍️
England International on his day 🏴
29 years-old with good Premier League experience ⚽️Can’t complain especially on a free transfer.
Would prefer a Butland loan. He’s been solid and Guaita sadly won’t last forever #cpfc 🦅 pic.twitter.com/UAJd27161D
— Luke Weaser-Seychell (@Luke_Seychell) June 20, 2022
‘Long-Term Successor’
Johnstone departs West Brom having had a difficult time there in the last year.
He impressed in the Premier League, despite their relegation in 2020/21, which earned him regular call-ups to the England team – his last appearance came against Andorra last year.
It looked likely that he would leave the club last summer upon their return to the Championship, but a move never materialised and he remained in the Midlands as West Brom struggled under new manager Valerien Ismael.
It’s not expected that Johnstone will compete with current Palace number one Vicente Guaita. However, at 35 years old, he may find himself out of the line-up fairly quickly if Johnstone can make an immediate impression.
Arrival Creates Problems for Butland
The arrival of Johnstone would see Jack Butland demoted back to third-choice in the goalkeeper hierarchy at Palace.
Fifield adds that the club are expected to listen to offers for the 29-year-old, who is heading into the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
The former England keeper played 15 times last season for Patrick Viera’s side.
