Celtic eye Wolves goal line saver deal ahead of September 1 transfer deadline

Celtic considering move for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone

Celtic are reportedly weighing up a late move for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as they look to strengthen their options before the transfer window closes.

The Scottish giants are understood to be exploring the possibility of bringing in the experienced 33-year-old, with goalkeeper reinforcements now among their priorities following their disappointing Champions League exit.

Johnstone currently finds himself outside the first-team picture at Wolves. Jose Sa and Dan Bentley have both featured during the opening league fixtures, although Bentley has since completed a move to Coventry City.

The former West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper made 12 Premier League appearances for Wolves last season, conceding 24 goals, before losing his place in the side. His campaign was also disrupted by a shoulder problem that eventually required surgery.

Johnstone has since returned to full fitness, but the arrival of Cesar Peixoto as Wolves head coach has done little to improve his prospects of regular football.

Celtic weighing up Johnstone approach

Celtic are keen to add competition and experience to their goalkeeping department, and Johnstone has reportedly emerged as one of the players under consideration with the deadline approaching.

Wolves could be willing to sanction his departure, particularly given that he does not appear to feature prominently in Peixoto’s plans.

Johnstone joined Wolves during the summer of 2024 and has made 19 league appearances for the club. His current contract runs until June 2028, although Wolves’ relegation to the Championship could make a departure more realistic.

The Midlands club are also reshaping their goalkeeping options. Wolves have reportedly reached an agreement to bring in Joao Virginia from Sporting, while veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy is also in discussions over a possible return to Molineux.

Those developments could further push Johnstone towards the exit door and potentially give Celtic an opportunity to make their move.

Wolves supporters open to Johnstone exit

There appears to be little resistance among some Wolves supporters to the possibility of Johnstone leaving this summer.

With uncertainty surrounding the club’s goalkeeping hierarchy, supporters have been keen for Wolves to strengthen their options behind Sa. Newcastle’s Nick Pope has reportedly been mentioned as a potential target, although a move for him currently looks difficult.

Ruddy’s possible return has also been welcomed by sections of the fanbase, particularly because of his previous experience as Wolves’ second-choice goalkeeper during their Premier League years.

With Wolves having until September 1 to complete their transfer business, Johnstone’s future at Molineux remains one to watch.

Johnstone could benefit from a Celtic move

A move to Celtic could potentially work well for everyone involved.

Celtic need additional quality and experience in goal, while Johnstone would benefit from moving to a club where he has a clearer pathway to first-team football rather than remaining third or fourth choice at Wolves.

For Wolves, moving the goalkeeper on could generate a fee while creating room within the squad for their incoming reinforcements.

Meanwhile, Johnstone would have the opportunity to compete for domestic honours in Scotland and potentially earn regular football under Martin O’Neill.

With the transfer deadline fast approaching, Celtic’s interest could therefore develop into a late move for the experienced goalkeeper.