Tottenham eyeing move to sign Wolves player in January window

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing for a strategic move during the January transfer window to address their goalkeeping concerns.

The club has identified Wolves’ second-choice goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, as a potential target. Johnstone, an experienced England international, could offer the stability Tottenham needs during a period of defensive uncertainty.

Tottenham’s defensive challenges this season have left manager Ange Postecoglou with limited options. The injury to Guglielmo Vicario has forced Fraser Forster to step in, but his performances have been inconsistent, leaving the team vulnerable at the back. This situation has pushed Tottenham to explore the transfer market for reinforcements to fortify their goalkeeping position.

Reports indicate that Johnstone has emerged as a serious option for Spurs. Having joined Wolves in the summer for £10 million from Crystal Palace, he initially seemed set for a pivotal role.

His signing was intended to address concerns surrounding Jose Sa’s future at the club. However, Sa’s expected move to Saudi Arabia did not materialize, which drastically altered Johnstone’s trajectory at Wolves.

Johnstone began the season as Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper, but injuries and inconsistent performances saw him lose his starting position. Jose Sa reclaimed his spot under Gary O’Neil, and new manager Vitor Pereira has continued to prefer Sa, leaving Johnstone as the backup option.

This lack of playing time has reportedly led Wolves to inform Johnstone that he can seek a move in January. This development aligns with Tottenham’s need for an experienced goalkeeper who can step in immediately and provide reliable cover for Vicario.

While Johnstone’s availability presents an opportunity, his recent form raises concerns. During the current season, he has appeared in seven matches for Wolves, conceding 17 goals—an average of 2.43 goals per game.

His struggles are further highlighted by his inability to register a clean sheet and a save percentage of just 61.5%. These figures suggest that while Johnstone has faced frequent challenges, he has often fallen short in delivering decisive performances.

His total of 23 saves across these appearances points to a goalkeeper frequently tested but not consistently successful in turning away opposition attempts. These statistics underline the risks involved in signing Johnstone, particularly for a club like Tottenham that aims to stabilize its defense during a critical phase of the season.

However, it’s important to consider the broader context of Johnstone’s performances. Wolves themselves have faced defensive instability, which likely contributed to his underwhelming numbers. This context could mitigate concerns about his suitability for Tottenham.

Johnstone’s experience and reputation make him a viable candidate for a mid-season transfer, but Tottenham must weigh the potential benefits against the risks. The club faces the challenge of addressing immediate defensive issues while also considering long-term goals.

Johnstone’s situation at Wolves offers a chance for Tottenham to bring in a seasoned professional, but his recent struggles underscore the importance of thorough evaluation before making a move.

The decision to pursue Johnstone will depend on how well Tottenham can balance their immediate needs with their ambitions for sustained success.

Adding an experienced goalkeeper like Johnstone could provide the short-term stability required to navigate the rest of the season, but the club must carefully assess whether he is the right fit for their system and aspirations.

As the January transfer window approaches, this potential move reflects Tottenham’s commitment to addressing vulnerabilities and reinforcing key positions to maintain competitiveness in a demanding Premier League campaign.