Viktor Johansson, the starting goalkeeper and captain of Rotherham United, has a strong probability of leaving the team in the summer as interest from Premier League and international teams grows.
For the last two seasons, the Swedish number one has been the Millers’ most valuable player. Though his heroics in goal this season probably won’t be enough to sustain them like they were last season, he has established himself as a legend at the club.
The goalkeeper re-signed with the team in January 2023, with an option to stay until the summer of 2025. According to the Rotherham Advertiser, a seven-figure release clause was included in the contract as part of that agreement, and it would kick in if Rotherham were demoted. This provision is likely to come into play because Leam Richardson’s team is eight games from safety and 19 points from safety. They might mathematically be relegated at the end of Easter weekend.
The Advertiser further stated that the club would have made more money than the release clause in Johansson’s contract if they had sold the 25-year-old in January, when they had the opportunity to do so, given Sheffield United’s interest in him during the winter transfer window. They also think that Johansson’s services will be in demand from other parts of Europe.
In any case, when he finally appears to be leaving New York Stadium, it will be heartbreaking for the supporters. Tom Eyre, a football league world analyst who follows the Swede, has shared his predictions regarding the Swede’s destination for the upcoming season in relation to his departure.
Eyre predicts that the 25-year-old captain of his team will depart Rotherham before the 2019–20 season begins and that he will remain in the Championship.The Rotherham fan commentator for the FLW stated, “I see his seven-figure release clause being activated this summer.”
“I could see Johansson joining one of the top eight Championship teams, either Hull City or Coventry City. He’s not quite ready for Premier League football, in my opinion. His overall football skills and footwork, in my opinion, might use some work. He is excellent as a shot-stopper, though.
Viktor Johansson has the ability to play in the Premier League
Looking at his statistics this season, one could easily conclude that he has little trouble staying focused and making save after save when faced with so many shots. There is undoubtedly merit to this, because he has faced the greatest number of shots to attempt to stop them. According to Sofascore, the 25-year-old has made 4 saves per game this season, 0.5 more than any of his opponents.
Technically speaking, there would also need to be improvements made. According to Sofascore, he has the fourth-fewest accurate passes per game (16.9) and the second-lowest pass completion percentage (46%), in the second tier. However, that is a result of the squad he has been playing for.
Not every Premier League keeper has the level of confidence that many of their teammates do, even if in this day and age, all the best stoppers are expected to possess on the ball. Not only does Nick Pope never appear at ease with the ball, but players like Sam Johnstone, who lack technical skill with their feet, are nonetheless selected for national teams.
Even with his present skill set, Johansson could be able to compete in the elite league. If he wished to become one of the greatest players in the world, he would need to make those advancements on the ball.
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