Derby County could join Stoke City, Sheffield United in fight for £900,000 star

05/05/2024 11:39

Derby County could join the race for Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, a Patreon report from journalist Alan Nixon has revealed.

Derby County are heading for the Championship after winning automatic promotion from League One.

The Rams have had some tough times in recent years with administration and relegation but while following a financial plan laid out by the EFL, they’ve been able to complete a return to the second-tier.

A steep task awaits Paul Warne and co as they look to become an established Championship side once again. Their ranks boast some impressive players such as Nathaniel Mendez-Laing, Eiran Cashin and more, but fresh additions are needed this summer.

Now, a potential target has emerged courtesy of a new Patreon report from Alan Nixon.

He states that Derby County ‘may’ join the fight for Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.

The Swede is set to leave the relegated Millers this summer after another starring campaign. Rumours have persisted over a release clause in his contract and Nixon states the fee sits at £900,000 for this summer.

Stoke City and Sheffield United have already been linked and are mentioned again in this new report, but the Rams may well join the battle following their promotion.

Destined for a move

While Rotherham United are heading for League One, it would be a huge surprise if Johansson was to join them. Had it not been for the ‘keeper, you can only fear how bad things would have been for the Millers.

As such, a move away from the AESSEAL New York Stadium seems like an inevitability.

What remains to be decided though is his destination. At a rumoured £900,000, there will be clubs far and wide eyeing a swoop for the Sweden international this summer, so Johansson will likely have plenty of options to pick from.

Championship interest has already emerged but at such a price, perhaps overseas interest can’t be ruled out either.

A step too far for Derby County?

The goalkeeper position is one Derby County could look to add to this summer. Joe Wildsmith is out of contract and if he doesn’t pen a new deal, they will definitely be bringing in a new number one.

Even if he does remain, a move for another won’t be out of the question.

The Rams aren’t bound by the financial restrictions they have been but a £900,000 outlay for just one player may prove a little steep for their first season back in the Championship.

It would be a statement signing for Derby County and a real signal of their intent. However, the price tag could mean he’s a more feasible addition for fellow admirers Stoke City or Sheffield United.

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