Report names goalkeeper Southampton will look to sign next summer

Southampton reportedly have West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on their transfer shortlist ahead of next summer’s expected goalkeeper overhaul.

According to a detailed report from the Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, Saints have the 28-year-old high on their list of signings with current goalkeepers Fraser Forster and Harry Lewis set to leave the club.

Previous information from the Athletic and Hampshire Live confirmed that Forster would be leaving Saints after Alex McCarthy was given a new three-year contract and, therefore, a signal that he would be the club’s number 1 for at least the short-term.

Johnstone would add quality and potential for growth should he be signed and his form in recent seasons for Aston Villa and now West Brom have earned him recognition at international level with England.

Southampton’s goalkeeping setup is last to be sorted

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It was a busy summer transfer window for Saints and they added some good depth in almost all areas of their first-team squad.

An extra central-midfielder could have even been signed late on in the window if the right deal came up, but things will look good for Ralph Hasenhuttl when he assesses the alternatives he has in his group of players.

The club chose not to sort their goalkeeping situation and will instead look to change things up next summer, and this will be one of the last main areas to fix unless there are player departures from other areas of the field.

Right not, Alex McCarthy is the club’s number 1. He is a player who divides opinion amongst fans having saved crucial points with brilliant saves in the past but also making some costly mistakes.

He has another senior goalkeeper in Fraser Forster behind him who is said to be on a big contract and he will leave with Saints having not found another club to take his services. The situation of Harry Lewis is also uncertain because he has made just three senior appearances at St Mary’s.

It remains to be seen who Saints will sign but it is important the they get one of the last components of the squad right – especially in such a crucial position.