Man Utd eyeing surprise move to re-sign former player from Championship side

Sunderland v Manchester United - Premier League
Michael Carrick is likely to have a string of new signings this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United are considering a move to re-sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Wolves after their relegation from the Premier League.

The 33-year-old has been at Wolves since 2024, but has not been a regular in the starting XI, making just 27 appearances in all competitions over the last two years.

Johnstone came through the Manchester United academy but never made a first team appearance for the Red Devils.

After a number of loan spells he left permanently for West Brom in 2018, moving on to Crystal Palace and then Wolves.

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He is now being linked with a surprise return to Old Trafford to act as back-up to first choice goalkeeper Senne Lammens.

Transfer expert Alan Nixon reports that the Red Devils are looking at bringing Johnstone in to deputise for the Belgian, along with third choice goalkeeper Tom Heaton, who has just signed a one-year contract extension.

A move may well depend on what happens with current second choice Altay Bayindir and the returning Andre Onana, who are both expected to leave this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers v Shrewsbury Town - Emirates FA Cup Third Round
Wolves paid £10m for Sam Johnstone in 2024 (Picture: Getty Images)

Bayindir was briefly in the starting XI, but has been usurped by the impressive Lammens and has been linked with a return to his native Turkey.

Onana has been on loan at Trabzonspor over the last season and is now returning to Old Trafford, but is not in the club’s plans going forward.

Trabzonspor president president Ertugrul Dogan has confirmed that talks are taking place over making Onana’s move permanent.

‘We speak with Onana every day. We won’t have any financial difficulties,’ he said. ‘We’ll make the necessary sacrifices. I don’t think we will experience any setbacks. But if we do, we will find another goalkeeper of the same quality.’

Manchester United v Sheffield United - FA Youth Cup Final 2nd Leg
Sam Johnstone won the FA Youth Cup in 2011 with the likes of Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard (Picture: Getty Images)

A number of signings are expected at Old Trafford this summer as the club returns to Champions League football under Michael Carrick.

Midfielder Ederson is arriving from Atalanta in a £35m deal, while another central midfielder is expected to be brought in as well.

The Red Devils are also looking at strengthening in both full-back roles and at centre-back, with Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall one of the names linked.

There is also a possibility that another forward could arrive, especially if Joshua Zirkzee departs as the Dutchman continues to be linked with a return to Serie A.

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