Former England goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has completed a season-long loan move to Celtic from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Scottish champions also securing Chelsea striker Shumaira Mheuka on loan as manager Martin O'Neill pursues multiple deadline-day reinforcements.
Johnstone, aged 33, will compete with Finland international Viljami Sinisalo for the number one shirt at Parkhead. The goalkeeper brings Premier League experience from his time at Wolverhampton, West Bromwich Albion and Crystal Palace, along with four England caps, the most recent earned in 2023.
According to reports from Glasgow, Johnstone's move was subject to international clearance following completion of the loan agreement. The deal is structured as a season-long loan with no option to buy, and Celtic are covering part of his wages.
At Wolverhampton last season, Johnstone made 17 appearances before losing his Premier League starting position in December following the club's relegation. His last competitive outing came in an FA Cup defeat to Liverpool in early March.
"I'm buzzing to be here and I'm excited to get going," Johnstone said.
The goalkeeper, who began his professional career at Manchester United and has previously played for Aston Villa, added that former Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart had spoken to him about the club's stature and winning culture.
"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. You hear about the size of the club, and you know about the size of the club, but just being here for a day, you notice how big the club is."
Johnstone emphasised his desire to work alongside Sinisalo and the goalkeeping coaching staff.
"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."
Why did Celtic need a new goalkeeper?
Kasper Schmeichel had been Celtic's first-choice goalkeeper since arriving in summer 2024, but he played his final match in February before retiring due to a shoulder injury, leaving a significant gap in the squad.
Manager Martin O'Neill expressed confidence in Johnstone's appointment.
"He is a quality keeper with excellent experience at the highest level. I think he will be a very good addition to our goalkeeping team."
Who is Shumaira Mheuka?
Chelsea striker Shumaira Mheuka has also joined Celtic on loan as part of the club's deadline-day recruitment drive. According to transfer reports, Mheuka completed his medical in London and subsequently arrived in Glasgow to finalise the move. The striker signed a new Chelsea contract in August 2026 running until 2033, and the loan to Celtic is structured as a straight loan with no option to make the transfer permanent.
What happens next?
Celtic were expected to complete Johnstone's registration once international clearance was granted, making him available for upcoming fixtures. The Scottish transfer window remains open until 17:00 BST on Thursday 3 September 2026, giving the club a narrow window to finalise Mheuka's loan and any other planned signings before the deadline closes.
O'Neill has been working on multiple deadline-day signings as Celtic push to strengthen their squad ahead of European competition. The arrivals of Johnstone and Mheuka represent significant additions to the goalkeeping and attacking departments respectively.
Key Facts
- Sam Johnstone, 33, joins on a season-long loan with no option to buy; Celtic are covering part of his wages
- Mheuka's loan from Chelsea is a straight loan with no permanent option; he signed a new Chelsea deal running to 2033 in August 2026
- Johnstone made 17 appearances for relegated Wolverhampton last season before losing his starting place in December
- Kasper Schmeichel's retirement due to shoulder injury in February created the vacancy Johnstone fills
- The Scottish transfer window closes at 17:00 BST on Thursday 3 September 2026
