England star responds on social media after Premier League club brutally strips him of squad number

A Premier League goalkeeper has responded on social media after his club brutally changed his squad number just days before the start of the new season.

The 2024-25 Premier League season gets underway on Friday evening, with Manchester United taking on Fulham at Old Trafford.

There are plenty of interesting narratives this season, including the title race, the race for Europe and the battle against relegation.

There are a number of clubs who are going to be interesting to keep tabs on, one of which is Crystal Palace.

Oliver Glasner turned a struggling side into one of the best in the league when he replaced Roy Hodgson in February, so it will be fascinating to see what he can do across a whole season.

However, one familiar face from Palace's starting XI last term doesn't look likely to be involved much.

Sam Johnstone was Palace's number one until Hodgson stepped down, but an elbow injury and the form of stand-in Dean Henderson derailed his progress.

Henderson - who Palace signed from Man United for £20 million last summer - kept goal as Palace won six of their final seven league games, and he now looks set to be Glasner's first choice goalkeeper for the new campaign.

According to the Mirror, Johnstone wasn't aware until Monday that he was being replaced as the No.1, both figuratively and literally.

Sam Johnstone was not happy with Crystal Palace's decision. [Instagram: @samjohnstone]

Palace have stripped the 31-year-old of the No.1 jersey and given it to Henderson, demoting Johnstone to the No.32 shirt.

Johnstone - who lost his place in the England squad for Euro 2024 - is clearly annoyed by the decision. On Wednesday he posted a selfie on Instagram of him wearing a No.32 training top with the caption “New day new number” and four crying laughing emojis.

The Daily Mail has reported that Johnstone has been placed on the transfer list at his own request as he is desperate to play regular football and fight to be England's second choice goalkeeper behind Jordan Pickford.

Nottingham Forest, Southampton, Wolves, Leicester and Bournemouth have all made enquiries about Johnston, who Palace value at £10m.