Rotherham United boss Matt Taylor has told The Rotherham Advertiser that The Millers have received phone calls to discuss the future of goalkeeper Viktor Johansson this summer – amid reports Leeds have discussed signing him.
Johansson, 24, has starred for Rotherham over the last three years. Clocking up 98 games, 44 of those came last season – keeping 13 clean sheets for Taylor’s men. His form has seen him called-up by Sweden’s National Team.
Not only that, but interest too. FLW say Leeds have held internal talks to discuss a move for the Swedish stopper. Leeds are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper. Illan Meslier is likely to go and Joel Robles technically a free agent.
Taylor was asked about Johansson. He says that the club have fielded enquiries on the phone, but nothing concrete via email. He expects bids to come in for the stopper, who was Rotherham’s Player of the Season for 2022-23.
“Viktor is a man in demand,” Taylor said. “He was the best keeper in the Championship last season. He’s one of the big reasons we’re still in the division. You can’t win the awards, accolades he did last year and not attract attention.
“His international recognition has increased his profile. He’s known worldwide. We’ve fielded phone calls. Nothing concrete through on email. There will be significant interest. A process that will come to a head at some point.”
Rotherham receive phone calls to discuss Johansson amid Leeds reports
As Taylor says, Johansson was up there with the best goalkeepers in the Championship last season – and that is proven by his Player of the Season award. To be called up by Sweden, while a Rotherham player, is some going.
If Leeds want to sign a goalkeeper and end up waving goodbye to Meslier and Robles, then bringing in Johansson as a replacement makes sense. But, it is likely to cost a decent fee, with Johansson boasting a contract until 2025.
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