Leeds United are setting their sights on Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone ahead of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window, according to Alan Nixon.
Daniel Farke’s side are closing in on a return to the Premier League at the second attempt, after the heartbreak of the 2023/24 play-off final. With promotion within reach, preparations are well underway behind the scenes to strengthen the squad – and the goalkeeping position appears to be high on the priority list.
Concerns over Meslier spark action
Throughout the Championship campaign, Leeds have maintained a largely consistent run of form. However, French goalkeeper Illan Meslier has come under scrutiny for several costly mistakes, leading to his recent replacement by Karl Darlow. That change has highlighted the need for a more reliable long-term solution between the posts.
While the Whites had been linked with ambitious moves for Burnley’s James Trafford and Newcastle United’s Nick Pope, financial constraints and the difficulty of those deals mean they have turned their attention to a more attainable target.
Johnstone, currently Wolves’ second-choice keeper, is seen as a more affordable option at around £10 million. The 31-year-old moved to Molineux from Crystal Palace in 2024 but has struggled for consistent game time under Vitor Pereira.
Johnstone’s season has been a mixed one. Despite making seven Premier League appearances, he has failed to register a clean sheet and conceded 17 goals across 630 minutes of top-flight action. His fortunes were slightly better in the FA Cup, where he recorded one clean sheet across three matches.
Complicating matters for the England international is the departure of Wolves’ goalkeeping coach who originally convinced him to join the club. With Johnstone’s first-team opportunities diminishing and managerial changes impacting his status, a summer move could be on the cards.
Leeds’ ability to land the former West Bromwich Albion stopper may well depend on securing promotion. Without Premier League football to offer, convincing a player of Johnstone’s pedigree could prove difficult.
Writer’s view
Given Illan Meslier‘s shaky form and Karl Darlow’s mixed impact, Leeds United’s interest in Sam Johnstone makes a lot of sense. His Premier League experience would add much-needed stability at the back if the Whites are to establish themselves in the top flight again.
A £10 million fee looks affordable for a player of his calibre, but the club must act fast if promotion is confirmed, with other sides likely to sniff around an experienced shot-stopper available for a reasonable price.
