​Everton are weighing up a potential move for Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone as David Moyes continues shaping his squad for the new season, according to Give Me Sport. After finishing the previous campaign in 13th place, Everton have already taken steps to strengthen crucial areas, with Hayden Hackney arriving and Merlin Rohl’s loan spell turning into a permanent deal. Attention is now shifting to the goalkeeping department and the question of who will provide reliable support to Jordan Pickford.
The immediate concern is not Pickford’s place in the side. Everton remain fully committed to their England No. 1, whose status as first-choice goalkeeper is not under threat. Rather, the club are evaluating the market for a dependable deputy who can step in when needed. Mark Travers is expected to leave, and interest is growing in his services from Coventry City and Wrexham. Against that backdrop, Johnstone fits the profile Everton appear to want. The Wolves stopper brings substantial Premier League experience, has international recognition with England, and, at 33, offers the sort of dressing-room presence managers value. He spent most of the 2025/26 campaign behind Jose Sa at Molineux and is understood to be open to a move that would provide greater involvement.
That context makes Everton’s interest logical. Moyes tends to prioritise dependability, character and league know-how in supporting roles, especially in positions where disruption can be costly. Johnstone would arrive knowing he is unlikely to dislodge Pickford but could still provide solid cover across a long season. Any deal may hinge on price. Wolves signed Johnstone from Crystal Palace in a £10m deal in 2024, but his limited game time over two seasons could affect their valuation now. Everton, meanwhile, are expected to stay disciplined in the market and avoid overspending on squad depth. From that perspective, this feels like a practical rather than glamorous pursuit. Everton need competition, experience and security behind Pickford, and Johnstone would tick each box if the numbers align.
From an Everton supporter’s standpoint, the report makes plenty of sense. Nobody is calling for a new number one because Pickford remains one of the club’s most important players. What matters is having a dependable deputy who can step in without prompting panic if injuries, suspensions or cup rotations come into play. Johnstone looks like the sort of signing fans can appreciate, even if it wouldn’t grab headlines. He knows the Premier League, has been part of strong dressing rooms, and should understand precisely what the role demands. For a squad striving to become more stable under Moyes, that matters. Everton have endured seasons in which a lack of depth in key positions has harmed them. There is also something reassuring about the club targeting proven players for specific jobs, rather than simply collecting signings without a clear plan. If Travers moves on, replacing him with someone more experienced seems sensible. Supporters want to see smarter recruitment, even in the quest for better search engine optimization, as the club looks to build a more reliable squad for the challenges of the coming season.