Celtic officially sign former Manchester United goalkeeper

Celtic endured a turbulent 2025/26 campaign, but Martin O’Neill ultimately guided the club to another domestic double after returning for his second spell in charge during the season.

The Hoops secured a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title following a dramatic final-day victory over Hearts before defeating Dunfermline Athletic 3-1 in the Scottish Cup final.

However, Celtic entered the summer requiring a significant decision between the posts.

Kasper Schmeichel retired after a persistent shoulder injury ended his final season prematurely, leaving Viljami Sinisalo to establish himself as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper.

Sinisalo impressed after being handed his opportunity, but Celtic still needed another experienced option capable of challenging the 24-year-old for his place.

Ross Doohan provided further depth after returning to the club last summer, although O’Neill clearly wanted proven competition rather than relying solely on two relatively inexperienced senior goalkeepers.

Celtic have now officially announced the signing of former Manchester United goalkeeper Sam Johnstone, who has joined the Scottish champions on a season-long loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, subject to international clearance.

The 33-year-old came through United’s academy and remained on the club’s books until 2018, although his senior opportunities arrived primarily through loan spells before he eventually completed a permanent move to West Bromwich Albion.

Johnstone later established himself in the Premier League and earned four England caps, keeping a clean sheet in each appearance.

He spent the previous two seasons with Wolves and featured 17 times during the 2025/26 campaign.

Speaking to CelticPlayer after completing the move, Johnstone said: “It’s a great feeling, I’m buzzing to be here and I’m excited to get going.

“I didn’t need convincing by anyone, but Joe Hart rang me the other day just to reiterate what a place this is, what a great group of lads and how the fans are unbelievable.

“Like I said, I didn’t need convincing, but for someone like that to ring me up and reiterate again the size of the club and what it means to people, it just made me so excited to get here and get started.”

The goalkeeper also welcomed the opportunity to compete with Sinisalo, adding: “I think everyone knows the goalie groups are a tight-knit group.

“We work closely together every day and hopefully I can help Vil and he can help me, and we push each other and we support each other along with the other goalies and the goalie coaches.”

O’Neill said: “He [Sam Johnstone] is a quality keeper with excellent experience at the highest level and I think he will be a very good addition to our goalkeeping team.

“He is really looking forward to joining Celtic, to add competition to our team and we are pleased to bring a goalkeeper of this quality to the club.”