Update on this: Alasdair Gold shares big late-night Tottenham transfer development
Tottenham Hotspur have decided not to proceed with a move for Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, according to Alasdair Gold of football.london.
The club has been exploring options to cover for Guglielmo Vicario, sidelined since November with a fractured right ankle. While Fraser Forster has stepped in as the temporary replacement, his inconsistent performances have raised questions about his long-term reliability.
Sam Johnstone, who recently lost his starting position at Wolves under new manager Vitor Pereira, seemed a viable candidate for Spurs. The 31-year-old reportedly expressed shock at being replaced by José Sá, who has taken over as Wolves’ first-choice goalkeeper.
Despite this, Tottenham has opted not to advance their interest in Johnstone, a player who had previously been on their radar before the signing of Fraser Forster in July 2022.
Gold clarified that Spurs are considering alternative targets for their goalkeeping needs. Johnstone’s availability was intriguing, especially given his current predicament at Wolves, but the North London club has decided to look elsewhere.
Johnstone began the season as Wolves’ primary shot-stopper under Gary O’Neil but struggled alongside the team’s underwhelming form. He made seven Premier League appearances this season, failing to record a clean sheet and conceding 17 goals.
Sam Johnstone’s Premier League Stats (2024-25 Season)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 |
| Clean Sheets | 0 |
| Goals Conceded Per Game | 2.4 |
| Saves Per Game | 3.3 (58%) |
| Successful Runs Out/Game | 0.9 (100%) |
| Total Goals Conceded | 17 |
| Total Saves Made | 23 |
| Goals Prevented | -4.03 |
These statistics highlight Johnstone’s struggles, making Tottenham’s hesitation understandable. Meanwhile, Wolves are reportedly monitoring Sunderland’s Anthony Patterson as a potential replacement should Johnstone depart.
One goalkeeper emerging as a potential target for Spurs is Burnley’s James Trafford. The 22-year-old has impressed this season, keeping 15 clean sheets in 24 matches.
Valued at around £20 million, Trafford’s performances have drawn praise, with his consistency and top-flight experience making him a strong contender for Tottenham’s consideration.
The decision to seek alternatives also stems from concerns over Fraser Forster’s ability to serve as a dependable backup. The 36-year-old has struggled with distribution and has conceded 15 goals across seven league games, managing only one clean sheet.
Given these issues, Ange Postecoglou is understandably cautious about relying on Forster as a stopgap option.
Tottenham’s goalkeeping situation remains in flux, with the club prioritizing a solution that provides stability and long-term value. While Johnstone’s availability initially seemed to align with Spurs’ needs, the decision to pursue other options reflects a strategic approach to securing the best fit for their squad.