During an interview with Football Insider, Noel Whelan has predicted Leeds United to sign Sam Johnstone. The West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper is likely to be in demand this summer and the former Leeds professional thinks he could emerge as an option at Elland Road.
“Maybe a Tottenham would look good. Maybe a Leeds as well, you know? Never rule them out. We’re always in the market for emerging, top goalkeepers.”, Whelan told Football Insider.
Sam Johnstone’s Season So Far
Sam Johnstone has become an integral part of West Brom’s defence ever since he joined the club in 2018. This season, in the Premier League, the former Manchester United academy product has been an ever-present figure for the Baggies in between the sticks, notching up 28 appearances and keeping five clean sheets.
Despite poor defensive support around him, Johnstone has made quite an impression with his shot-stopping abilities. The 27-year-old currently averages an incredible four saves per game, which along with Illan Meslier, is the joint-highest in the league.
Aside from his saves, Johnstone has offered West Brom a reliable operator in between the sticks. Boasting an imposing 1.93m frame, the Englishman is quite strong in regards to his punches and claims – making him quite an intimidating figure inside the box. It has served the Baggies particularly well when defending set-pieces.
Do Leeds United Need Johnstone This Summer?
In Illan Meslier, Leeds United have found themselves a talented goalkeeper, who is more than capable of becoming a top-class shot-stopper in the future. However, the club do lack the services of a reliable alternative, with Kiko Casilla’s status seemingly falling down the pecking order.
There has also been a steady decline in the Spaniard’s performances in between the sticks, thus accentuating the need for a new goalkeeper in the summer. And in Sam Johnstone, Leeds United would find an ideal option, who can not only replace Casilla but can also provide some stiff competition for Meslier in goal next season.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not the West Brom goalkeeper will be happy being an understudy for Meslier. At the age of 27, Johnstone has a bright future ahead of him and a move to West Ham would seem more viable given the ageing Lukasz Fabianski.
In addition, Johnstone’s potential selection in the England side this summer could further increase his value, potentially ruling out a move to Elland Road for the goalkeeper this summer.
