Sunderland are reportedly eyeing Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone to hand Anthony Patterson competition ahead of a return to the Premier League.
Alan Nixon reports on his Patreon that the Black Cats are ready to move for Johnstone, and it comes off the back of Neil Cutler's arrival as goalkeeper coach. He's said to be a "huge fan" of the veteran English shot-stopper having previously worked with him at Aston Villa and Wolves.
The 32-year-old lost his status as number one at Molineux last season when Vitor Pereira replaced Gary O'Neil. He has years of experience at the top level which could be hugely beneficial for Regis Le Bris' newly-promoted side.
Sunderland Weigh Up Move For Johnstone
The Black Cats want to give Patterson more competition
White Black Modern Photo Collage Before After Youtube Thumbnail - 2025-07-06T152518.991
Johnstone has three years left on his contract, which may lead to a loan rather than a permanent deal should Sunderland come calling. He is one of two shot-stoppers on the Black Cats' radar.
The Tyne and Wear outfit are also in a race with Bournemouth and Aston Villa for Chelsea's Djordje Petrovic after missing out on Marcin Bulka, who joined Saudi Arabian side Neom from Nice, per GIVEMESPORT's Market Madness. The 25-year-old could cost around £26m, which makes Johnstone the more attractive option from a financial standpoint.
Johnstone, who is sitting on £40,000 per week, will likely be keen for more game time after finishing last season with just seven Premier League appearances to his name. It appears that Cutler is driving a potential move for the Englishman to reunite for a third time.
Sam Johnstone (Premier League 2024-25)
Games:
Clean Sheets:
Saves:
Goals Conceded:
Saves Per Game:
Sunderland have been busy already this window, showing that they mean business now that they are back in the top flight. Habib Diarra arrived from Strasbourg in a club-record £30m deal.
Enzo Le Fee's loan was made permanent after joining on loan from AS Roma last season. The Black Cats also pulled off the £15m capture of DR Congo midfielder Noah Sadiki from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
All statistics courtesy ofSofaScore- correct as of 06.07.2025
Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox
Sunderland's Jobe Bellingham lifts the trophy as he celebrates with teammates after winning the championship play-off final Related
Why Sunderland's Promotion Will Cost Every Premier League Team Millions
Many teams would have been rooting for Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.