Manchester United are in active negotiations to bring Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford. The goalkeeper spent seven years in United’s academy without ever pulling on the first-team shirt. Now, at 33, he might finally get his name on the teamsheet.
The talks follow Wolverhampton Wanderers’ relegation from the Premier League at the end of the 2025-26 season, which has made Johnstone available at what should be a significantly reduced price.
A homecoming years in the making
Johnstone joined United’s academy setup in 2011 and remained on the books until 2018. During those seven years, he never made a single senior appearance for the club, instead spending time on a string of loans to gain experience.
He eventually moved to West Bromwich Albion on a permanent deal, where he established himself as a reliable shot-stopper in the Championship and then the Premier League. His performances earned him senior caps for England, a significant step up from the U17 European Championship-winning squad he was part of back in 2010.
