A Big Congratulation To José Sá: As He Finally Agreed Three Year Contract Worth $ 80 Million With…………………..read more.
Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Gary O’Neil has acknowledged that goalkeeper José Sá may seek a move away from the club if he cannot reclaim the No. 1 spot from new signing Sam Johnstone.
Sá is expected to stay at Wolves at least until January, with sporting director Matt Hobbs previously stating that Sá and Johnstone would compete for the starting role.
However, O’Neil admitted that the Portuguese goalkeeper would likely want to leave if he doesn’t regain his place in the starting lineup, as Sá is unlikely to be satisfied playing second fiddle to Johnstone for an extended period.
“José knows he needs to fight for his place, but things can always change,” O’Neil said. “At this point in his career, with his quality, he won’t be happy being a backup for too long. We’ve seen similar situations at other clubs where two No. 1s can’t coexist indefinitely.”
O’Neil referred to Johnstone’s time at Crystal Palace, where he shared goalkeeping duties with Dean Henderson for a time before both sought regular playing time elsewhere. “If José can’t secure that here, he’ll likely look for it elsewhere,” O’Neil added. “But our discussions have been open and professional, and we both understand the situation.”
Wolves signed Johnstone for £10 million from Crystal Palace on deadline day, and he made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest. Sá was given time off to process the news and consider his options, but has returned to training following international duty.
While reports suggested Sá might not even be O’Neil’s No. 2 for the rest of the season, the coach downplayed such claims, stating that the battle for the backup role between Sá and Dan Bentley will depend on their performances.
“José is a quality goalkeeper and while he’s here, he’ll have every chance to impact the squad and the starting XI,” O’Neil concluded.
Meanwhile, Wolves will assess the fitness of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Mario Lemina ahead of Sunday’s game against Newcastle, after both players withdrew from international duty with minor injuries. Defender Yerson Mosquera is expected to be fit despite being carried off with cramp during Colombia’s win over Argentina.
