Sam Johnstone posing in his green United kit at a photoshoot.

Transfer news: Johnstone joins West Brom

Tuesday 03 July 2018 17:01

Sam Johnstone has completed a transfer from Manchester United to Championship club West Bromwich Albion.

Baggies manager Darren Moore, who secured a shock win at Old Trafford last April, has made the talented Reds goalkeeper his first signing of the summer on a four-year contract at The Hawthorns.

Johnstone has always been a popular figure at the Aon Training Complex following his rise through the age groups, particularly after his role in the Academy’s celebrated FA Youth Cup success of 2011, although a first-team appearance sadly never materialised for the talented 25-year-old stopper.
Sam Johnstone shared a close bond with David De Gea and Sergio Romero during his time at United.
One of the reasons behind Sam’s senior omission was his eagerness to gain experience as part of the loan system, which led to him enjoying temporary spells at Football League clubs Oldham Athletic, Scunthorpe United, Walsall, Yeovil Town, Doncaster Rovers and, most recently, Aston Villa.

It was at Villa Park where Johnstone impressed the most, making 22 appearances in 2016/17 before playing another 48 matches under the management of ex-United defender Steve Bruce in 2017/18, notably keeping 20 clean sheets as the West Midlands side reached the Championship play-off final.

'IT'S A SAD DAY FOR ME TO LEAVE UNITED'

Johnstone is naturally looking forward to his new challenge but also sad to be departing United, with whom he has been associated for the past 15 years.

"I’ve grown up at United and had the most amazing time, it’s the best club to learn when you are a young player and prepare you for the future," Sam told ManUtd.com. "I have been here since I was 10 years old so it’s a sad day for me to leave permanently.

"The last few seasons I have been playing week in/week out on loan so I felt it was the right time to settle down and I can’t wait to do this at West Bromwich Albion. Thank you to everybody for the support and I wish United the best luck in the upcoming seasons."

Johnstone had a productive 18-month loan spell at West Brom's Midlands rivals Aston Villa.
Following his transfer to West Brom, Johnstone is determined to achieve further success in the Championship and hopefully play a part in the club’s return to the Premier League. 

Everybody at Manchester United wishes Sam well for the future.