According to the latest reports from the Shields Gazette, Leeds United are eyeing up a move for former Sunderland and Manchester United goalkeeper Max Johnstone. The 20-year-old is currently on trial with the Whites, and it remains to be seen whether he will be offered a permanent contract at the club or not.
The goalkeeper appeared for the Whites recently in a friendly against Tadcaster Albion. The young custodian is likely being seen as an option for the u-23 side. Max is the brother of West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone who is an established name in the English football circuit.
Leeds United’s goalkeeping options
Surprisingly, Bailey Peacock Farrell has been left at Thorp Arch, and Leeds United went with Kiko Casilla and Kamil Miazek for the tour to Australia. Peacock Farrell had earlier admitted that he would look for a move away this summer if he doesn’t get first-team opportunities. William Huffer is another backup option which Bielsa can consider. Therefore trialist Johnstone will have a lot of competition for places even if he wants to get into United’s-23 setup. Recently Victor Orta confirmed that Kiko Casilla is likely to stay at Elland Road even though there were some rumours about him leaving the club after just half a season.
Sunderland’s academy manager on Johnstone
Sunderland’s academy manager Paul Reid described Johnstone as someone with potential. He had said last year (Yorkshire Evening Post), “Max was a player who was flagged up after he came in during the previous season. His attitude has been brilliant since he came in, and it has been nice to see him improve over the weeks. He is a good size and character, and he is someone we think can develop.”
The goalkeeper played in eight games in the Premier League 2 for Sunderland last season and managed to keep one clean sheet. It’s tough to gauge how the player would go about his business at Elland Road as he is yet to be tested at the toughest of levels.
However, there is no doubt that he will improve a lot if he goes on to join Leeds United as the Whites can be termed as one of the best clubs around for developing youngsters. The Whites have a history of bringing in young players, and that has continued even though they are challenging for Premier League promotion. With clubs like Manchester United and Sunderland in Johnstone’s C.V, a lot will be expected out of the youngster.
