Derby County have joined the race for Rotherham United shot-stopper Viktor Johansson, with Leeds United also said to be in the running for his signature, according to reports.
The Rams are finally back in the Championship after two years of languishing in League One, but work will now begin at Pride Park to strengthen the squad ahead of what will be a gruelling campaign in England’s second tier.
In the last six years, Warne has guided his teams to promotion four times from the third division – thrice with the Millers and now once with Derby. The 50-year-old has certainly proved his worth as one of the great promotion specialists in the English Football League.
However, keeping Derby County in the Championship next season will be another tough task, but Warne has plenty of experience managing in the league and will know which players he needs to add to the squad to help the side survive in a gruelling division.
One man linked with a reunion with the Rams’ boss is Johansson. The Swedish goalkeeper was signed by Warne during his time in the dugout in South Yorkshire, earning the Young Player of the Season award in his debut campaign with Rotherham.
✍️ | Johansson commits future to Millers until 2025
Rotherham United are delighted to confirm that goalkeeper Viktor Johansson has penned a new contract until 2025, subject to FA and EFL ratification! #rufc | #ForeverTogetherForeverProudhttps://t.co/4grVBdn4rz
— Rotherham United (@RotherhamUnited) January 6, 2023
However, now that the Millers have been relegated back down to League One, rumours have been rife regarding his future. According to Alan Nixon on his exclusive Patreon, Derby could join the likes of Stoke City and Sheffield United in the race for the 25-year-old.
Aftonbladet in Sweden have revealed that Leeds United are also in the running for Rotherham’s number ‘1’ and that the Whites will consider making a bid for him over the summer transfer window.
Writer’s View
Johansson has a release clause with Rotherham. Certain reports have listed this price at £1 million, while others have cited a fee of around £750,000. Nevertheless, if Warne is keen to bring a new goalkeeper to Derby County, then they should certainly activate his buy-out clause.
The Rams signed Josh Vickers from the New York Stadium last summer too and so Johansson will already know a member of the goalkeeper’s union at Pride Park. Nevertheless, Joe Wildsmith may feel a little disheartened should the Swede take his spot next season.