Manchester United are reportedly sizing up a move for goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to Alan Nixon.
The 33-year-old spent seven years on United’s books before leaving in 2018, and he has since gained a plethora of experience across England, most notably at Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace.
#mufc are interested in signing Sam Johnstone this summer. If he joins, he is likely to serve as United’s backup or third-choice goalkeeper [@reluctantnicko] pic.twitter.com/WceVmBHnra
— utdreport (@utdreport) June 7, 2026
United considering Sam Johnstone reunion
Preston-born Johnstone has spent the last two years with Wolverhampton Wanderers, but has found himself on INEOS’ shortlist in the lead-up to the transfer window.
Of course, the veteran would only be brought in to play second fiddle to first-choice Senne Lammens, or even as a third choice.
It comes ahead of anticipated departures for both Altay Bayindir and Andre Onana, the latter of whom returned to Carrington last week following the culmination of his loan spell with Trabzonspor.
The Super Lig outfit are hoping to negotiate a long-term deal for Onana, so it remains to be seen what kind of fee United will demand for a player they shelled out £47.2 million for in 2023.
United’s goalkeeping department: The state of play
Bayindir will also be on the move in the coming weeks, presumably after Turkey finish their World Cup campaign.
He was briefly promoted to No.1 at the beginning of 2025/2026 when Ruben Amorim had lost all faith in Onana, but was demoted when Lammens made his debut in October 2025.
Lammens, 23, impressed so much throughout his maiden term that he was named the official Transfer of the Season by the Premier League.
https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/2061417522705134038?s=61
Meanwhile, 40-year-old Tom Heaton penned a one-year extension to keep him in Michael Carrick’s ranks until June 2027, despite not playing a competitive game since 2021.
His expertise is said to make him an invaluable figure to have around the dressing room, hence the board deciding to grant him a new deal early in the summer.
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