Sam Johnstone: Crystal Palace sign England and ex-West Brom goalkeeper on free transfer
Sam Johnstone has not conceded a goal in his three appearances for England England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has joined Crystal Palace on a four-year deal. The 29-year-old moves to the Eagles on a free transfer after his contract with Championship club West Bromwich Albion expired at the end of June. Johnstone, who has played for England three times, will provide competition to 35-year-old Vicente Guaita. "I'm really excited to be here at Crystal Palace, I can't wait to get started," said Johnstone. "It's a great club with fantastic facilities and brilliant supporters." Johnstone made his international debut in the 1-0 friendly win over Romania in June 2021 and also played in two World Cup qualifiers against Andorra that year. It is likely Palace will move on one of Jack Butland or Remi Mathews as the signing of Johnstone means they have four senior goalkeepers. Butland, 29, who played for England between 2012 and 2018, was second-choice keeper last season and played 15 times for the Eagles. Palace chairman Steve Parish said: "Sam is a player we have admired for some time, and we're extremely pleased to welcome him to Crystal Palace. "His extensive experience at club and international level, alongside his outstanding ability, will add even greater depth to our goalkeeping unit."
Sam Johnstone completes free transfer to Crystal Palace after West Brom release
Crystal Palace have signed goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer. Johnstone’s contract with the Championship club expired at the end of June, with the England international letting it be known that he would not sign an extension. The 29-year-old has now signed a four-year deal at Selhurst Park. A number of clubs were interested in signing the England international on a free, with West Brom rejecting a £10 million bid for his services from West Ham last summer following their relegation back to the Championship. On his move, Johnstone said: “I’m really excited to be here at Crystal Palace. It’s a great club with fantastic facilities and brilliant supporters – I can’t wait to get started.” Johnstone made 167 appearances for West Brom after arriving from Manchester United for £6.5 million in 2018. He has made three appearances for Gareth Southgate’s England side and was last summer named in his 26-man squad for Euro 2020. Chairman Steve Parish added: “Sam is a player that we have admired for some time, and we are extremely pleased to welcome him to Crystal Palace. “His extensive experience at club and international level, alongside his outstanding ability, will add even greater depth to our goalkeeping unit.” Johnstone will compete with Vicente Guaita, 35, for the No 1 shirt at Palace, having been earmarked as the Spaniard’s long-term successor. (Photo: Getty Images)
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