Manchester United are reportedly exploring the possibility of bringing former academy goalkeeper Sam Johnstone back to Old Trafford as the club continues reshaping its squad ahead of next season.
The experienced shot-stopper, currently at Wolves, is believed to be under consideration as a backup option to Senne Lammens following significant changes in United’s goalkeeping department.
Lammens arrived at Manchester United from Royal Antwerp in a deal worth around £18 million last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the club’s standout signings of the season. The Belgian goalkeeper impressed supporters and coaching staff alike with a series of confident performances, eventually replacing Andre Onana as United’s first-choice goalkeeper.
Onana had originally joined Manchester United from Inter Milan in 2023 for approximately £47 million, but his spell at Old Trafford became increasingly difficult due to inconsistent displays and heavy criticism from both fans and pundits. Questions surrounding his shot-stopping, concentration, and decision-making placed enormous pressure on the Cameroonian international during his time in England.
However, his fortunes reportedly changed significantly during a season-long loan spell with Turkish side Trabzonspor. According to reports, Onana rediscovered his confidence and form in Turkey, producing performances strong enough to convince Trabzonspor to pursue a permanent transfer this summer.
Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has reportedly spoken positively about the possibility of retaining the goalkeeper permanently. The Turkish club appears determined to complete the deal despite the financial commitment required.
Dogan reportedly explained that Trabzonspor remains in constant communication with Onana and insisted the club is prepared to make the necessary sacrifices to complete the transfer. He also suggested that while the club is confident about securing the move, they already have contingency plans in place should negotiations unexpectedly collapse.
Reports indicate Manchester United are seeking a fee of at least €45 million for Onana if a permanent transfer eventually goes through this summer. Such a sale would represent an opportunity for United to recover a significant portion of the money invested in the goalkeeper two years ago.
Meanwhile, changes elsewhere in the goalkeeping department are also influencing Manchester United’s plans. Altay Bayindir, who previously served as Onana’s deputy, reportedly wants to leave Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football after slipping further down the pecking order behind Lammens.
Although veteran goalkeeper Tom Heaton recently signed a one-year contract extension, Manchester United are still believed to be searching for another reliable backup option capable of supporting Lammens throughout what is expected to become a demanding campaign involving both domestic competitions and Champions League football.
That search has reportedly led the club toward Sam Johnstone. According to transfer expert Alan Nixon, Manchester United are considering re-signing the English goalkeeper following Wolves’ relegation from the Premier League.
Johnstone is no stranger to Old Trafford, having progressed through Manchester United’s academy system earlier in his career. Although he never fully established himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper during his initial spell, he has since built considerable top-flight experience through periods with Crystal Palace and Wolves.
The 32-year-old has reportedly accumulated 85 Premier League appearances during his career and is viewed internally as an experienced and dependable option who could provide strong competition and reliable depth behind Lammens without creating unnecessary pressure within the squad hierarchy.
Another factor making Johnstone attractive to Manchester United is his relatively low transfer valuation. Reports suggest the goalkeeper is currently valued at around £1.7 million, making him a financially sensible option for a club still attempting to strengthen several positions across the squad this summer.
While the goalkeeping situation remains an important part of Manchester United’s rebuilding process, midfield reinforcement is also progressing rapidly. According to Fabrizio Romano, United have now formally completed the signing of Brazilian midfielder Ederson from Atalanta.
Romano revealed that all documentation between Manchester United and Atalanta has now been signed, effectively finalizing the transfer agreement between both clubs. The transfer expert described Ederson as officially becoming a Manchester United player pending only the completion of final formalities such as his medical and contract presentation.
Reports suggest Ederson is currently on holiday but will travel to England shortly to complete the remaining procedures before being officially unveiled by the club. Romano also claimed an unofficial medical examination had already taken place earlier with Atalanta’s approval and that the results were entirely positive.
According to the reports, Manchester United had already reached an agreement with Ederson months ago because the player was determined to join the club despite interest from elsewhere. The midfielder reportedly prioritized the move to Old Trafford above all other options.
The completion of the deal is being viewed as a major step in Michael Carrick’s rebuilding project. United see Ederson as a midfielder capable of adding energy, physicality, composure, and tactical balance to the center of the pitch.
However, reports also indicate Manchester United are far from finished in the transfer market. Romano suggested the club still wants to sign at least one additional midfielder this summer and that discussions regarding further reinforcements are already taking place behind the scenes.
The midfield has remained one of Manchester United’s biggest priorities following concerns about balance, control, and consistency during recent seasons. Carrick reportedly wants more athleticism, tactical discipline, and technical quality in central areas if the club hopes to compete seriously both domestically and in Europe next season.
As a result, Manchester United’s summer plans continue accelerating quickly across multiple positions. With possible changes in goal, midfield reinforcements arriving, and additional signings still expected, supporters are increasingly optimistic that the club could be entering an important new phase under Carrick’s leadership.
Whether Sam Johnstone eventually returns to Old Trafford or not, the reports surrounding the goalkeeper situation further demonstrate how aggressively Manchester United are attempting to reshape the squad ahead of what could become one of the most significant seasons of the club’s modern era.
