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Aston Villa facing increased competition for Sam Johnstone

By Josh Tonti

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Sam Johnstone of Aston Villa (L) saves a shot from Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur (R) during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 08: Sam Johnstone of Aston Villa (L) saves a shot from Moussa Sissoko of Tottenham Hotspur (R) during The Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at White Hart Lane on January 8, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) /
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Aston Villa desperately need a number one goalkeeper this fall. Steve Bruce’s preferred target remains Sam Johnstone, but the Manchester United ‘keeper is sought after by a bevy of clubs in the Premier League and English Championship.

Sam Johnstone has been linked in the papers by no less than five different club thus far. The increased competition is worrying, but at the same time a solid reminder of Johnstone’s appeal in England.

Everton can be counted out as a potential suitor. The Toffees splurged heavily for the services of Sunderland goalkeeper, Jordan Pickford. However, that puts Sunderland back in the market for a new number one, and lo and behold, they’re interested in Johnstone on a permanent move. Moreover, Leeds United and Watford continue their interest.

Watford is an interesting link due to the presence of incumbent number one, Heurelho Gomes. While Gomes attracts his fair share of critics, he’s generally been extremely reliable since moving to Watford in 2014. He’ll turn 37 in February so a new understudy should be in their transfer plans.

However, one has to wonder whether Johnstone would move to a lesser Premier League club (from Manchester United) to sit on the bench again. Sunderland and Leeds offer a better chance to win the number one job ahead of Vito Mannone and Rob Green.

But we all know where the best situation is – Aston Villa. Johnstone impressed after a shaky start in January. Aston Villa offers the best combination of: immediate match time as the number one, Premier League ambitions, and overall resources.

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Whatever the case may be, Villa executives need to settle Johnstone’s situation sooner rather than later. This absolutely can not be a case that is drawn out into August. Contingency plans need be in place if Johnstone settles elsewhere.

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