---
title: "Villa could have signed Johnstone in the summer"
canonical: "https://readastonvilla.com/2018/09/05/villa-could-have-signed-johnstone-in-the-summer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "Aston Villa News"
published: "2018-09-05T09:14:59Z"
modified: "2018-09-05T09:14:59Z"
---

# Villa could have signed Johnstone in the summer

Aston Villa could have signed goalkeeper Sam Johnstone on a permanent deal over the summer.

[According to The Birmingham Mail](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/john-terry-aston-villa-defence-15109337), the timing of Villa’s takeover prevented them from making a move for the shot-stopper.

The report claims that Villa would have been able to secure a deal for Johnstone had the takeover been finalised a few weeks earlier than what it was.

Johnstone ended up signing for Villa’s Championship rivals West Brom instead, where he has had an impressive start to the season.

![David Rogers/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readastonvilla.com/readastonvilla/2018/09/1018933452.jpg)

Villa had Johnstone on loan for 18 months in the Championship from Manchester United and was a key player for Steve Bruce’s plans.

Orjan Nyland has been brought in as Villa’s new number one but is already under fire after a shaky start to the season.

The Norweigan goalkeeper has been at fault for a number of goals this season in the Championship and is yet to find his best form.