Sam Johnstone: The Keeper That Got Away from Rangers

As Crystal Palace’s goalkeeper Sam Johnstone continues to impress in the Premier League, Rangers are left ruing their decision not to meet his wage demands and sign him last summer, adding to their ongoing goalkeeping woes.

The gloves were definitely off when Rangers previously approached Crystal Palace’s shot-stopper Sam Johnstone before the 30-year-old inked a 4-year deal with the Eagles last summer.

According to David Edgar, host of the popular Gers podcast ‘Heart and Hand‘ and official club partner, the Light Blues had their sights set on Johnstone but his wage demands proved too rich for Rangers’ blood.

Fast forward to last weekend’s Premier League action and Johnstone was Palace’s knight in shining armor, pulling off save after save to keep his side in the game before they staged a sensational comeback to trounce Leeds United 5-1.

No doubt the Ibrox faithful were green with envy watching Johnstone’s heroics, wishing the star keeper was plying his trade in Govan instead.

The same situation is set to rear its ugly head again this summer amid rampant rumors over Allan McGregor’s future at the club.

At 41, McGregor’s age is catching up and his lightning reflexes are on the wane. While the veteran shot-stopper has given his all for the Gers, his embarrassing attempt to beat Jota to the ball during Saturday’s Old Firm defeat highlighted the fact that McGregor’s past his prime.

Rangers desperately need a new No. 1, a long-term solution between the sticks. They have to splash the cash on a top keeper, or they’ll live to regret penny-pinching.

The Ibrox side must cast aside past mistakes and open their chequebooks to land a world-class goalie in his prime. Or they’ll be doomed to repeat history, haunted by the ghosts of chances gone by.

The Sam Johnstone debacle should serve as a cautionary tale. Rangers need to get their act together and address this issue ASAP, or they’ll be left with egg on their faces once again.