Derby County poised to join Stoke, Leeds and Sheffield United in battle for Championship goalkeeper | OneFootball

In what has been a torrid season for Rotherham United, Viktor Johansson has been a stand-out player for them once more.

Many games this campaign could have turned out much worse for the Millers had it not been for the Swedish keeper.

But, with the summer transfer window fast approaching, heavy interest from Championship clubs has arrived, and Derby County are the latest who are set to join the race, as per Alan Nixon.

According to reports, the keeper has a £900,000 release clause and despite the fact that Stoke City are currently heading the race to sign the international, as well as recently relegated Sheffield United being keen, Paul Warne is interested in a reunion with the stopper he signed for Rotherham back in 2020.

Derby, Sheffield United, Leeds United and Stoke City keen on Viktor Johansson

Derby's current first-choice stopper is Joe Wildsmith, who appeared in 40 of the Rams' 46 League One matches over the course of 2023-24.

With Wildsmith out of contract this summer though, Warne may be looking for an upgrade, and with Johansson having a six-figure release clause, it has alerted many clubs.

They include Stoke, who are looking for a new permanent number one having had both Mark Travers and Daniel Iversen in as loanees this season, whilst Sheffield United have the Swede on their radar too, despite adding Ivo Grbic to their ranks from Atletico Madrid in January.

Leeds United meanwhile - who do not know which division they will be playing in next season - are also interested in Johansson, according to Swedish publication Aftonbladet.

Viktor Johansson has been Rotherham United's standout star

Undoubtedly, Johansson would not have wanted to be relegated to the third tier, but his reputation has only been enhanced as the last line of defence against a barrage of heavy attacks.

In the 2023-24 season, he faced 262 shots, saving 180 of them and preventing 3.19 goals more than expected. He also excels in other areas and has impressed with high claims, long ball accuracy and actions as a sweeper, ranking among the 20% for all three, as per FotMob.

His statistical prowess has not been exclusive to just this season, with previous showing a pattern of brilliant keeping.

The preceding Championship campaign rated him as Rotherham'sbest player, as he almost single-handedly kept them up. In 43 matches, he made over 150 saves, keeping a remarkable 13 clean sheets in a team that faced the most attempts on goal in the league.

His save percentage of 74.1% and goals prevented of 6.34 are only further proof that he can be a keeper for a club chasing promotion to the Premier League.

Release clause and relegation will likely see Viktor Johansson leave Rotherham United

The Millers will certainly have trouble keeping hold of one of their key assets. At just 25 years of age, he is particularly young for a keeper and will have plenty of development left in him.

Furthermore, their relegation to the third tier of English football will only weaken their bargaining position, and £900,000 could be useful for Steve Evans to redevelop their squad.

For the price, those clubs interested would clearly be getting a good deal, should they attempt to sign him. A current estimated transfer value of £2.6 million only makes this signing seem more of a bargain and the growth potential must be a key factor in recruiting him.

An estimated wage of £6,500 would provide no complications in striking a deal, and geographically all clubs are reasonably local for the Scandinavian.

Despite his remarkable form, new Rotherham boss Steve Evans has benched the keeper for the past two fixtures, stating to the Rotherham Advertiser in a recent interview that: "Viktor is a top professional and understood. I had to do my homework on Dillon (Phillips) for next season".

For many, this will suggest that Evans does not see a future for Johansson, with second choice Dillon Phillips being given a chance to prove himself ahead of next season.

These quotes will provide hope for all three parties that the Swede is interested in leaving the New York Stadium and his 90th-minute introduction against Cardiff makes it seem like he has finally bowed out.