Nottingham Forest are strangely still looking to sign another goalkeeper before the transfer window opens this summer.
The Reds have a number of stoppers available, each with differing degrees of experience.
Matz Sels is currently the number one goalkeeper, with Carlos Miguel joining from Corinthians to serve as his backup.
Then there’s Matt Turner, who signed for £10 million from Arsenal just a year ago but is now the third-choice.
Turner has attracted interest from the Bundesliga, and it’s reasonable to expect Forest to try to trade him this summer.
His exit might provide place for another goalkeeper, with Nuno Espirito Santo eager to sign one before the window ends.
On that front, the club might have now received some good news.
Nottingham Forest-linked goalkeeper could now be available for transfer
According to The Athletic’s transfer guru David Ornstein, Crystal Palace could be willing to pay around £10 million for Sam Johnstone.
Forest attempted to sign the one-cap England goalkeeper before Sels was signed in the January transfer window.
The Eagles were previously unwilling to sanction a sale, but they will now do so if their asking price is met.
Forest may compete with Steve Cooper for Johnstone, with Leicester also interested, as are Wolves and Southampton, both of which are looking for new goalkeepers.
Johnstone had a rough season last year and was the first choice at the start of the 2023/24 season.
Garth Crooks described him as ‘unbeatable’ in November, but Dean Henderson took over the goal in the remaining months of the season.
Forest would surely be selling two goalkeepers if one arrives
It is not uncommon for clubs to have three senior goalkeepers in their squads, but for a club like Forest, it would be unusual.
Turner is already the Reds’ seasoned number three, and at 30, he will almost certainly want to play regular football.
Sels is also in his thirties, and it would be unfair to him considering his form at the conclusion of last season if Forest signed a new number one.
Miguel is only 25 years old, but he has no experience playing in England, and there is speculation that he could depart on loan if another goalkeeper is signed.
In any case, it appears that Forest are eager to sign another, and the scenario is unusual.
If Johnstone – or another goalkeeper – signs this summer, it could indicate that Espirito Santo isn’t very impressed with his current crop.
At 31, the former Manchester United trainee would be another stopgap, and at £10 million, the acquisition does not appear to be particularly good value for money.
However, they claim that a strong goalie is worth extra 10-15 points per season, and if the club believes Johnstone can contribute to that total, who can blame the Reds for making the move?
