NafisaWolves End Goalkeeper Speculation with Clear Verdict on José Sá and Sam Johnstone
Last season, Wolves faced an intriguing battle for the No. 1 jersey, with José Sá ultimately securing the starting role over Sam Johnstone. That outcome sparked months of uncertainty about Johnstone’s future, as clubs like Burnley, Sunderland, and Leeds all explored options for a new keeper—yet none moved for the former Crystal Palace man.
Now, as the transfer window nears its close, Wolves’ stance is clear. Despite criticism aimed at Sá for his shaky start this season—particularly his display against Manchester City—the Portuguese shot-stopper is set to retain his spot. According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, the anticipated overhaul in the goalkeeping department will not happen: Wolves are committed to keeping both Sá and Johnstone.
This decision isn’t just about depth; it’s strategic. Johnstone’s presence helps Wolves meet the Premier League’s homegrown player requirements, a vital factor as the club looks to strengthen elsewhere. With limited slots for non-homegrown signings, offloading the English keeper could have hampered plans to add a striker and midfield reinforcement.
For now, Johnstone remains a backup—but the coming months will determine whether he can seize any opportunity to change the narrative after a subdued previous campaign.
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