Sunderland have set their sights on Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they look to bolster their squad, according to former chief scout Mick Brown. Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Brown, who previously served as chief scout at Manchester United and Blackburn and remains well-connected in the game, revealed that the 32-year-old has emerged as a top target for the Black Cats after they missed out on their first-choice goalkeeper, Marcin Bulka, who joined Saudi Arabia’s Neom SC.
According to Alan Nixon, Sunderland are lining up a move for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone.
— Emily O'Dwyer (@EmilyO_Dwyer) July 6, 2025
Neil Cutler who is a former Wolves goalkeeper coach has recently joined Sunderland and is expected to play a key role in their pursuit for Johnstone.
[🗞️Alan Nixon] | #wwfc #wolves pic.twitter.com/J2kyfb40GF
Background on Johnstone
Johnstone, who moved to Wolves from Crystal Palace for £10 million last summer, made just seven Premier League appearances during the 2024/25 season, struggling to displace Jose Sa as the first-choice goalkeeper. Eager to secure regular playing time and revive his ambitions of returning to the England national team, where he has four caps, Johnstone is reportedly ready to leave Molineux. Brown first told Football Insider in May that the goalkeeper was seeking a move this summer to ensure consistent minutes.Sunderland’s interest comes as manager Regis Le Bris aims to strengthen his squad to push for promotion in the Championship. The Black Cats see Johnstone, with his extensive Premier League experience from spells at West Brom, Crystal Palace, and Wolves, as an ideal candidate to provide stability and leadership between the posts. His 188 career appearances in England’s top flight, coupled with his proven shot-stopping ability, make him a compelling option for a club with ambitions of returning to the Premier League.
Leeds Interest
However, Sunderland face competition from Leeds United, who are also keen on Johnstone as they look to upgrade on their current goalkeeper, Illan Meslier. Brown revealed to Football Insider in April that Leeds view Johnstone as a potential replacement, with the Yorkshire club also targeting promotion. In May, Brown further noted that Johnstone is open to a move to Elland Road, adding intrigue to the transfer race. “Sunderland have been working on a deal for Sam Johnstone,” Brown told Football Insider. “He would be a good option for Sunderland if they can win the race.” With his wealth of experience in top-level recruitment, including over a decade at Manchester United during their dominant era, Brown’s insights underline Johnstone’s appeal as a reliable and ambitious signing for either club.
Sunderland's Pursuit
Sunderland’s pursuit of Johnstone reflects their determination to build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Championship. With negotiations ongoing and Leeds lurking, the Black Cats will need to act swiftly to secure the 32-year-old’s signature. A move to the Stadium of Light could offer Johnstone the regular playing time he craves, while providing Sunderland with a seasoned goalkeeper to anchor their promotion push. As the transfer window progresses, this battle between two Championship heavyweights promises to be one to watch.