OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini is reportedly considering signing goalkeeper Sam Johnstone and while the 25-year-old could be a success he’s not the man West Ham need right now.
It was stated by the Guardian on Saturday that the 6ft 4in tall shot-stopper (height according to Transfermarket) was being considered as a possible new recruit by the Hammers boss.
However while the giant keeper would clearly tick a lot of the boxes when it comes to what the Hammers will be looking for in a new shot-stopper, he isn’t the right option to take.
Manchester United’s Johnstone spent his 2017/18 campaign on loan at Aston Villa and put in some decent displays during his 48 appearances for the Championship club.
It’s arguable that the presence of the keeper at Villa Park was a key reason why Steve Bruce’s side were able to reach the play-off finals.
Though there were several moments in the season the young keeper would prefer you forgot as he wasn’t blooper free.
The young keeper’s error against Fulham in February was a particularly noteworthy mistake as it highlighted how poor his distribution could be.
Johnstone carelessly booted a goal-kick straight to his opponents who then proceeded to fire the ball back into his empty net despite his attempts to scramble to cover for his embarrassing blunder.
The mistake would have had Hammers supporters suffering Joe Hart flashbacks and that’s something no one should be made to endure.
While this area of his game could clearly be worked on, 25-years-old is young for shot-stopper after all, that’s not the reason why the Hammers should look elsewhere to solve their goalkeeping issues.
Johnstone has never made a Premier League appearance or featured in any top-flight division and that should be a red flag.
While the 25-year-old would make a nice number two, a role he would not be keen on, the Hammers need a goalkeeper who is at least somewhat proven.
Pellegrini’s side need to push on up the table next season and can’t wait around on a keeper to find his feet in the division as it will just hold them back.
The goalkeeper may well be easily available, it’s hard to see him getting a chance at Old Trafford, but he’s not the right choice when it comes to signing a goalkeeper for this window at least.
Therefore even though he would tick many of the boxes when it comes to the criteria of searching for a new Hammers keeper he doesn’t tick the one that matters most, so Pellegrini should forget about Johnstone even though he has him in his sights.
