Johansson was linked with a move to Sheffield in January, and that move could come to fruition in the summer.
The Millers are infamous for being a “yo-yo” team since they have alternated between competing for promotion near the top of League One and relegation near the bottom of the Championship.
Rotherham is presently near the bottom of the Championship, demonstrating that pattern continues this year.
Viktor Johansson is one player that has been consistent throughout the past few seasons.
However, if Rotherham’s season ends badly, that might be the last time we see him wearing a Rotherham shirt.
Johansson has been a great servant for Rotherham
Johansson began his career at Hammarby in his native Sweden before moving to England to play for Aston Villa.
He relocated to Leicester City in the Midlands in 2018, but he never played as a senior for the team.
He was signed by Rotherham in September 2020 after being promoted back to the second division following his release by the Foxes in the summer of 2020.
Johansson has gradually established himself as Rotherham’s first-choice custodian since moving to Yorkshire.
After playing in slightly less than half of Rotherham’s League One games during his debut season, he proceeded to play in slightly more than half of them the next year.
However, Johansson’s greatest season to date was the 22–23 campaign last season.
He solidified his position as Rotherham’s starting striker, contributing significantly to the Millers’ safety as they concluded the season in 19th place, six points above the relegation zone.
He played in 43 Championship games and kept 11 clean sheets his best season as a professional to date.
His performances attracted interest from Leeds United in the summer, who at the time had just been relegated from the Premier League. But Rotherham managed to keep hold of him.
Once again, Sheffield United, the lowest-ranked team in the Premier League, showed interest in Johansson during the January transfer window.
Leam Richardson, the manager of Rotherham, disclosed that Johansson had stated in January that he wanted to remain with the team despite interest from the Premier League and Europe.
Johansson’s opinion on staying, meanwhile, will undoubtedly change if Rotherham gets demoted because he has been among the best in the Championship lately, statistically speaking. Over the past 15 months, Sweden international Johansson has proven that he is too excellent for League One.
Sheffield United move may be on the cards
A drop to League One would be poor for Johansson’s career, and if Sheffield United came back in for him, it would be a move that would suit all parties.
Sheffield United’s weak defence has been highlighted many times this season, having conceded 65 goals in 25 games in the top flight.
Wes Foderingham has been their No.1 goalkeeper but has been far from convincing. They did sign Ivo Grbic from Atlético Madrid in January, but he has only made one appearance so far.
With Foderingham’s and third-choice keeper Adam Davies’ contracts expiring in the summer, the Blades will more than likely be on the lookout for a new keeper, with relegation to the Championship almost a certainty.
With one year left on his deal, it may be an appropriate time for Rotherham to cash in and the player to move on, especially if they are relegated.
If they go down, Johansson will more probably want to leave, and it would be totally understandable.
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