Sheffield United target’s future is in the hands of Rotherham United.
Millers’ prospects of keeping Viktor Johansson in Rotherham are enhanced by his willingness to stay despite the club’s relegation.
Johansson’s release clause was activated by his drop to League One, drawing interest from Sheffield United and Europe.
In order to quickly return to the Championship, Rotherham should think about selling Johansson in order to get money to bolster the team.
In an encouraging sign for the Millers’ chances of holding onto him, Sheffield United target Viktor Johansson said he would be content to remain at Rotherham United during the summer despite their relegation to League One.
After losing to Plymouth Argyle last Friday, who are also fighting for survival at the bottom of the second tier table, the Millers’ return to the third tier was assured.
Johansson has been Rotherham’s top performance during the 2023–24 campaign, but sadly, his efforts were unable to keep them from dropping to the bottom of the division.
The Rotherham Advertiser claims that the goalie has a seven-figure release clause that becomes active upon relegation. It is believed that the amount is less than what they would have received for the Sweden international if they had sold him during the January transfer window.
The 25-year-old is reportedly admired by Sheffield United, and the Advertiser has stated that interest from Europe is expected.
“My focus is on the games until the end of this one,” the Swede stated during the most recent international break. Whatever occurs next, happens. My intellect, my heart, and my soul are all currently with Rotherham.”
Viktor Johansson about his plans for Rotherham
The goalie has talked about his future with the Yorkshire-based team and increased their prospects of holding onto him now that the club’s relegation has been confirmed and his release clause has been activated.
According to Johansson, staying with the team in League One the next season would be “100 percent okay,” in an interview with the Advertiser.
“I haven’t really thought about the summer,” he continued. Here, I’m still totally concentrated. We want to at least find something worthwhile to close off the season with since we haven’t done well enough.”
There are still five games left in the Rotherham season, and although Johansson has stated that he won’t be thinking about his future until after the team’s home match against Cardiff City, he is sure to field a number of calls regarding a transfer away from the ASSEAL New York Stadium.
“Your mind can’t wander or you’ll let yourself down and your team down,” stated the coach. “I don’t want to be like that.”
Look to cash in on Viktor Johansson, Rotherham
Rotherham has moved passed the possibility of receiving a higher price for him during the winter window, despite the fact that it still exists. Selling the goalie should be a part of their plan to return to the second tier, but they must remain totally focused on that goal.
Even if they might not receive as much as they might have in January, a seven-figure return is still a respectable sum of money that the team could use to further improve the remainder of the squad.
Through the door, Rotherham should be able to bring in a respectable goalkeeper for their next new level. They will have a greater chance of returning to the Championship if they use the money they receive from selling Johansson to buy some new players rather than keeping him.
The Swede’s contract extension, which was signed in January of last year, only extends until the summer of 2025, so if they don’t think they can get him to sign a new contract, then the summer will be their best opportunity to profit from him.
