Aston Villa loanee Sam Johnstone was one of the best Championship goalkeepers last season, making him an ideal addition for Sunderland.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce sang Johnstone’s praises at every opportunity
Aston Villa boss Steve Bruce went as far as to meet Jose Mourinho in person to convince Manchester United to let them sign goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal this summer, as reported by The Sun.
And with good reason. After a shaky start to his half-season loan deal, including an error-strewn display in a defeat to Nottingham Forest, Johnstone quickly made a claim to be one of the most inspired Championship signings in 2016/17.
In fact, the 24-year-old even kept seven clean sheets in eight games before a late stutter consigned Villa to 13th place in the second tier.
Sam Johnstone enjoyed the finest spell of his nomadic career at Villa
However, despite enduring nine loan spells in a nomadic six years, it is far from certain that Johnstone will settle at Villa. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United will sell Johnstone for £5 million this summer and Watford, Leicester City and Sunderland are all keen.
Links with Sunderland are perhaps the most intriguing. After all, homegrown hero Jordan Pickford is expected to leave when the Black Cats receive a suitable offer (we are looking at you Everton).
Sunderland value Jordan Pickford at £30m
Therefore, a new number one will surely be required at the Stadium of Light this summer and Johnstone appears to be the perfect addition.
After all, he has proven himself in the Championship thanks to an excellent five months at Villa Park and, like the man he could be replacing on Wearside, is young enough to keep improving and take his game to another level.
With the exception of Jermain Defoe, Pickford was Sunderland’s best and most important player during their relegation season. No goalkeeper in the top flight faced more shots.
Therefore, the Black Cats cannot afford to choose the wrong replacement. And Johnstone ticks all the boxes.
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