Crystal Palace’s first piece of incoming transfer business will see goalkeeper Sam Johnstone announced on a four-year deal following his release from West Bromwich Albion at the end of June.
The 29-year-old England international will now compete with Vicente Guaita for the number one spot at Selhurst Park, with Johnstone identified as the Spaniard’s long-term successor by Palace’s recruitment team. The move will spell concern for the Eagles’ other senior goalkeepers Jack Butland and Remi Matthews, with the former looking likely to be the one to leave SE25 this summer in search of regular game time.
Signing a new goalkeeper was not an immediate concern for the Eagles in this summer window but Johnstone’s arrival will secure the position for several years to come and represents clever business on the club's part. Palace will be getting an England international without having to pay a transfer fee, meaning it won’t reduce the budget Patrick Vieira has to work with to sign his other, more pressing, targets.
