Manchester United considers a million-pound buyback of their academy goalkeeper! Three keepers may leave simultaneously, with Onana's transfer gaining momentum

Manchester United are considering signing former academy goalkeeper Sam Johnstone from Premier League relegated side Wolves. The 33-year-old England international joined Wolves in 2024 but served as a backup, making only 27 appearances over two seasons, with 17 last term.

Johnstone came through United's youth system, winning the FA Youth Cup in 2011 alongside teammates like Paul Pogba and Jesse Lingard. However, he never played a competitive match for the Red Devils' first team. After multiple loan spells, he left on a permanent transfer in 2018, joining West Bromwich Albion, then moving on to Crystal Palace and Wolves.

Now, Johnstone could return to Old Trafford as United's second-choice goalkeeper, backing up €18 million man Senna Lammens. Transfer expert Alan Nixon reports that United are seriously considering this option, with Johnstone potentially replicating Tom Heaton's storyline.

Like Johnstone, 40-year-old Heaton never played for United's first team before leaving. Upon his return, however, he made his debut and appeared three times. Heaton just signed a one-year contract extension last week, remaining as the club's third-choice keeper. Johnstone's return will hinge on the futures of United's other three goalkeepers: Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir, and Radek Vitek.

Turkish goalkeeper Bayindir served as United's backup last season. Apart from the early campaign when Lammens first arrived—Bayindir played six matches—he saw no minutes once the 23-year-old Belgian cemented his starting role. Bayindir is expected to leave in the summer, returning to Turkey; Besiktas had shown interest in January.

Onana was loaned to Turkish side Trabzonspor last season. His loan deal has now expired, and he will return to Old Trafford, but he is not part of the club's future plans. Trabzonspor president Ertuğrul Doğan confirmed they are negotiating a permanent transfer for Onana. Trabzonspor hopes to reach an agreement with him in the coming days.

Trabzonspor would like to extend Onana's loan, but under the Premier League's PSR (Profitability and Sustainability Rules), United prefer to sell him for around £20 million to avoid a loss. However, the Red Devils may have to consider another loan deal.

This season, Trabzonspor covered all of Onana's wages. Since United missed out on the Champions League, his salary dropped to £90,000 per week, while Turkey's player tax rate is 20%—nearly 30% lower than the Premier League. Consequently, joining the Turkish club effectively gave him a pay rise. Now, Trabzonspor can offer a salary far below the £120,000 per week he would earn if United return to the Champions League. Still, due to the tax difference, Onana could end up with a higher net income!

When asked about the transfer, Doğan said: "We are in contact with Onana every day. Financially we will have no difficulties; we will make the necessary sacrifices, and I believe we won't face any setbacks. Onana really likes it here, and we want him to stay. Of course, everyone has their own life and plans; we must respect that. If it really can't be done, we will find another goalkeeper of equal quality."

Czech goalkeeper Vitek, 22, was also loaned out last season. He impressed at Championship side Bristol City as their undisputed starter, sweeping all the club's end-of-season awards. Many Premier League and Championship clubs are interested in signing him, and the young keeper is unwilling to warm the bench at United long-term—he wants to be a starter, so he is expected to move this summer.

If all three of the above leave Manchester United, 33-year-old Johnstone would have a great chance to return. He would cost only £1–2 million in transfer fees, could initially serve as the second-choice keeper, and later, as Heaton retires and United bring in other goalkeepers, he could drop to the third-choice role.

Johnstone's other advantage is his homegrown player status. After returning to the Champions League next season, United need at least four academy-trained players; currently they are one short. If the quota is not met, United would have to sacrifice a registration slot, leaving a young talent out of the 25-man squad.