Leeds United are expected to be in the market for new signings this summer and one player they could sign is from Yorkshire neighbours Rotherham United in the form of Viktor Johansson.
Johansson, 25, has emerged as a target for Leeds ahead of the summer window after Rotherham were relegated from the Championship, which has activated a bargain £1m exit clause in his Millers contract.
It’s not the first time the Sweden star has been linked with a move to Leeds. Reports last summer stated that The Whites were considering a move to land Johansson with Illan Meslier’s future at Leeds in doubt.
It is testament to Johansson that he won the Rotherham Player of the Season award in 2022-23 and even win a Sweden cap with Rotherham at the bottom of the Championship table, but he continues to impress.
So much so that with Rotherham now relegated and Johansson available on the cheap, Leeds are looking at a deal. Teammate Ollie Rathbone has spoken about Johansson ahead of the last game of the season.
He described Johansson as “wonderful” and says it has been an “honour” to play alongside the Swedish goalkeeper. Not only did he praise Johansson, but he spoke in a way that an exit is now inevitable.
Ollie Rathbone praises ‘wonderful’ Leeds target Viktor Johansson
Rathbone told The Rotherham Advertiser: “It’s been an honour to play alongside Viktor, an honour to call him a teammate; not just because of his work on the pitch but also for how he conducts himself off it.
“He’s always smiling, he’s a wonderful guy and he’s been incredible this season. He’s an amazing shot-stopper,” Rathbone said, discussing Johansson ahead of what is likely to be his final game this weekend.
Interest in Johansson comes as no surprise but perhaps what is a bit of a shock is that Leeds want him with Meslier still the Elland Road no.1, with The Frenchman set to win the Championship’s golden glove.
Carlton Palmer thinks Sheffield United is better for Johansson
Former Leeds man Palmer commented on the interest from Elland Road in Johansson and questioned why The Whites would be keen on the Swede, when they have Meslier between the sticks as first choice.
“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. Sheffield United could also be another club in there,” Palmer said this week.
But if Meslier does decide that is enough is enough and he wants to leave the club, then Johansson would be a wonderful replacement. Meslier’s future at Leeds is likely to be determined on whether Leeds go up.