Pundit urges Stoke City to beat Leeds United to in-demand Championship ace | OneFootball

Rotherham United may have suffered yet another relegation from the Championship this season, but the fans have, at least, had the shining light of Viktor Johansson to enjoy every game.

But as the summer transfer window now looms ever closer, and with the last game of this Championship season on the horizon, Rotherham United fans will be preparing their goodbyes.

That is because the once-capped Swedish international is likely to be moving to pastures new, with a host of English clubs interested in the shot stopper including Leeds.

He has been mightily impressive for the Millers this season, keeping five clean sheets despite a very leaky backline, and maintaining a save percentage of 68%, according to Sofascore.

Former Leeds United favourite and ex-England international Carlton Palmer has offered FLW his opinion on Leeds United's interest in the goalkeeper, with a suggestion that the move is unlikely to happen for one key reason.

"He has been the standout performer for Rotherham, despite their relegation, and Leeds are keen on him," Palmer exclusively told FLW.

"The problem is however, Leeds already have a first choice keeper in the form of Illan Meslier, who is a current international too. If they were to go ahead with the purchase of Rotherham's number one, then one of these two would have to miss out.

"I personally can't believe that Johansson would settle for being a back-up to Meslier in that Leeds team after such a stellar season.

"The Swedish international deserves to, in fact, he will, be playing Championship football next season and simply won't be doing that if he is sat on the bench.

"I don't think it will be Leeds that go ahead and sign him unless they move Meslier on, but if they get promoted, I feel they should keep Meslier on as he has already proven to be a strong choice for the Premier League.

Despite Palmer seemingly quashing links between Johansson and Leeds, he continued on and suggested alternative destinations for the Swede.

"I could see Stoke City and Steven Schumacher enter into the race for him. He is a manager with an eye for tidy business.

"They will be clearing their squad and will be doing a lot of business this summer, and they will see Johansson as a target for that number one spot of theirs.

"Sheffield United could also be another club in there.

"They have shuffled their goalkeeping pack this season and could do so once again with relegation now confirmed back to the Championship.

"Wherever he goes next season, he will be a Championship goalkeeper, I am sure of that."

Leeds will want two solid goalkeepers in the Premier League

If Leeds do go on to gain promotion to the Premier League, it is more than likely that Daniel Farke will want two solid goalkeepers to assist in making sure they survive any potential relegation dogfight.

As stated by Palmer, as well as at the start of the article, Johansson would certainly provide that behind Meslier.

The Swede has been Rotherham's top performer despite an abysmal team performance this season in the Championship.

Meslier himself is good enough to a strong first choice in the top flight, having been bought in by Leeds when they were promoted to the top flight in 2020. He impressed with a total of 21 clean sheets across his three seasons with the Whites in the Premier League, and there is hope that he may repeat that should Leeds go up.

Of course, there is always the possibility that Leeds don't go up to the Premier League and instead stay in the second tier, and while there are no links or rumours currently surrounding Meslier departing, he could move on to pastures new to avoid any sort of career stagnation.

Therefore, signing Johansson may not be totally out of the question as he take over that number one spot should Meslier be part of a clear out by Farke this summer.

Either way, there is going to be one guarantee come the end of the regular Championship season this weekend. Viktor Johansson will be a Miller no more.