Aston Villa bring Sam Johnstone back on a season-long loan
By Josh Tonti
Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is returning to Aston Villa on a season-long loan move, sources told ESPN FC. Johnstone is the second signing for Steve Bruce after the acquisition of Chelsea legend, John Terry.
Aston Villa settled their goalkeeping situation for the 2017/2018 English Championship season. Sam Johnstone, who started for Villa from January onward of this year, is returning on yet another loan move from parent club Manchester United.
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Johnstone, 24, kept 8 clean sheets in 21 league matches in 2017. After signing an extension with Manchester United, José Mourinho saw fit to loan Sam back to Aston Villa after the presumed retention of both David de Gea and Sergio Romero. At Old Trafford, Johnstone would have competed for the number three role with highly-regarded 21-year old prospect, Joel Pereira.
A loan move (as opposed to a permanent transfer) has its benefits and disadvantages for Aston Villa. For one, the claret and blues retained Johnstone for another season as their number one. His game grew after an initial rough spell in January and the early parts of February. Based on form with Johnstone between the sticks, Aston Villa should be a club vying for promotion back to the Premier League.
Additionally, with a full season at Bodymoor Heath, Villa get another extended look at Sam Johnstone. Should he struggle, Villa won’t be on the hook for the remainder of his contract. Something club owner Dr. Tony Xia states shouldn’t happen any longer (bad, under-performing deals).
Sometime still can't help being mad with some contracts inherited. People were either stupid enough or double paid by others?🤔
— Dr. Tony Xia (@Dr_TonyXia) July 7, 2017
Conversely, should Johnstone excel, Aston Villa may be priced out of a move next summer. Coupled with a failure to get promoted, Johnstone could look for greener pastures in England’s top flight.
Next: Aston Villa linked with Peter Crouch
Verdict:
It was crucially important Aston Villa settled their goalkeeping situation before friendly pre-season action. With Johnstone at the table, Steve Bruce should be comfortable in his tandem of SJ & Jed Steer. Both are actually the same age.
The recent links to Joe Hart and Karl Darlow were most likely precautions in case Manchester United decided to loan/sell the services of Sam Johnstone elsewhere.