Everton Plot Shrewd Swoop for ‘Special’ Sam Johnstone to Back Up Pickford

Everton are moving with quiet purpose this summer, and the next name on David Moyes’ checklist is a familiar one: Wolves’ Sam Johnstone. The 33-year-old, once labelled “special” during his England rise, is firmly on the radar as the Toffees look to stiffen competition behind Jordan Pickford.

Setting the scene: Moyes tweaks, Toffees climb

After a 13th-placed finish, Everton have wasted little time sharpening the spine. Hayden Hackney is through the door, Merlin Röhl’s loan has been made permanent, and the focus now turns to the last line of defence. Moyes wants sure hands and strong character in reserve—someone who raises standards on the training pitch and won’t blink under the lights.

Why Johnstone makes sense

Johnstone’s 2025/26 at Molineux was largely from the bench, playing understudy to José Sá during a historically grim campaign for Wolves. At 33, with four England caps and a career’s worth of Premier League nous, he’s keen for regular minutes and a fresh challenge. He wouldn’t unseat Pickford—nobody’s pretending otherwise—but he’d be a rock-solid No 2 who knows the division inside out and can step in without drama.

If you’re weighing up the odds on how this one plays out — and sizing up the latest from the top betting sites uk — the smart money says Everton push hard for experience between the sticks. Johnstone ticks the boxes: Premier League know‑how, homegrown status, and a calm pair of hands for cup nights and injury insurance.

What it means for Pickford and Travers

Pickford remains the undisputed No 1 and the heartbeat of this Everton side. The move is about depth and dependability. Mark Travers, meanwhile, is expected to move on, with interest from newly-promoted Coventry City and ambitious Championship outfit Wrexham. That leaves a vacancy for a proven deputy—precisely the role Johnstone could fill.

The Wolves angle and the numbers

Wolves paid around £10m to sign Johnstone from Crystal Palace in 2024, yet he’s managed only 27 appearances across two seasons. The fee this time is unclear, but given his squad status and Wolves’ need to reset after a bruising year, a sensible price feels likely. Crucially, the player is understood to be open to a move for more game time.

Verdict: Low-risk, high-sense business

This is classic Moyes: pragmatic, cost-conscious, and laser-focused on reliability. Johnstone won’t grab headlines, but he could save a season if called upon. For a club plotting a climb up the table, adding an experienced, England-capped keeper as reliable cover for Pickford is smart, measured business. If Everton get this over the line, they’ll sleep a little easier about the games that test your squad as much as your stars.