Celtic have secured the signing of former England international goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 33-year-old arrives at Parkhead to bolster the goalkeeping department, revealing a conversation with club legend Joe Hart solidified his excitement about the move.
Johnstone, who made 17 Premier League appearances for Wolves last season and won the last of his four England caps in 2023, told The Scotsman he needed little persuasion. "It's a great feeling, I'm buzzing to be here and I'm excited to get going," he said. The move was confirmed on Tuesday as manager Martin O'Neill continues to shape his squad, which currently sits first in the Premiership with a perfect record of four wins from four games, leading by two points.
Why did Sam Johnstone choose Celtic?
Sam Johnstone stated his mind was already made up before receiving a call from retired Celtic hero Joe Hart. The former Manchester City and England keeper, who won seven major honours in three years at Celtic before retiring in 2024, offered personal insight. "I didn't need convincing by anyone, but Joe Hart rang me the other day just to reiterate what a place this is, what a great group of lads and how the fans are unbelievable," Johnstone explained. He added that Hart's words amplified his existing desire to join a club where the pressure to win and perform is a major attraction.
Where does Johnstone fit in the current squad?
Johnstone joins a squad where Viljami Sinisalo is the established number one. The new arrival emphasised a collaborative approach, stating the goalkeeping group is traditionally tight-knit and that he aims to work closely with Sinisalo and the other keepers. His addition comes at a time when Celtic are managing several absences, with Callum Osmand, Jota, Kasper Høgh, and Kieran Tierney all currently sidelined, as listed on the club's injuries page. The team's strong defensive start, conceding only two goals while scoring eleven, provides a solid platform for any new defender or goalkeeper.
What other business did Celtic complete?
Johnstone's signing was part of a busy Tuesday for the Scottish champions. They also confirmed their fifth summer signing by bringing in Danish midfielder Oliver Sorensen on loan from Parma with an option to buy. Outgoings were also finalized, with Jonny Kenny departing permanently for Preston and Reo Hatate completing a move to Burnley on a three-year deal. Hatate scored 33 goals in 191 appearances during his four-and-a-half-year Celtic career. The club's activity is driven by two imminent deadlines: the Europa League squad registration cutoff at 11pm on Wednesday and the closure of the Scottish transfer window at 5pm on Thursday.
Who else is linked with a move to Celtic?
Several other potential recruits were in the picture as the window entered its final days. PSV Eindhoven midfielder Joel van den Berg, aged 19, was reportedly at Celtic's Lennoxtown training ground. Teenage forward Shim Mheuka arrived in Glasgow later that same evening with a view to joining, and his Chelsea teammate Landon Emenalo is earmarked for a potential loan. Feyenoord right-back Jordan Lotomba has emerged as an option following an injury to Alistair Johnston, while long-term target Gvidas Gineitis, a 22-year-old Lithuania international from Torino, remains of interest. The club hopes to complete most remaining business before the European deadline.
Manager Martin O'Neill welcomed his new goalkeeper, saying, "We are really happy to welcome Sam to Celtic." Celtic's next challenge is an away match against Aberdeen, who are 10th in the table, on December 19th, a fixture you can find on the club's fixtures schedule.
