Rotherham United appear to be heading for another season in League One, as they presently sit at the bottom of the Championship with eight games remaining.
There is a 19-point difference between them and safety, meaning the Millers might be formally demoted in a month, or perhaps sooner, depending on results.
Rotherham have had a dismal season despite avoiding relegation by six points last season, and it has been clear throughout the campaign that they lack the quality to compete in the Championship.
Despite the team’s two years of largely losses, there has been one bright spot. Viktor Johansson, a goalkeeper, has established himself as one of the best shotstoppers in the second division. He has made the most saves per game (4), the highest average Sofascore match rating (7.24), and faced the most shots (223) of any Championship goalkeeper.
With relegation looming, vulturous clubs such as Sheffield United will try to prise the Swedish number one away from the Millers, and a condition in his contract will make it much easier.
Viktor Johansson’s release clause will open the door for Sheffield United.
In January 2023, the 25-year-old goalkeeper signed a new contract with the club, which will keep him at New York Stadium until the summer of 2025. He was a key part of their survival campaign last season, and Rotherham fans will be grateful that he committed to staying with them.
He signed the new contract in part because it had a release clause. This would allow any team to purchase Johansson if they reached the clause’s worth, but it’s important to note that this component of the pact only takes effect if the Millers are demoted.
According to the Rotherham Advertiser, this clause is worth seven figures, and for clubs like the Blades, who are thought to be interested in the goalie, that is not a huge price to pay for a goalkeeper of Johansson’s caliber.
According to the Yorkshire outlet, this seven-figure fee is lower than what Rotherham could have got in January if they had sold the Swede at that time.
Johansson, who is now on international duty, has stated that his concentration is solely on giving his all when he plays for the club.
“My focus is on the games until the end of this one,” stated the 25-year-old. “Whatever happens next, happens.” “Rotherham has my heart, soul, and brain right now.”
The Advertiser also stated that they are likely to garner interest from Europe. The Blaydes, who saw Johansson’s ability firsthand last season, would have the financial resources to pay the lower amount in his contract.
Rotherham made the right decision to keep Viktor Johansson in January. Looking back is both rewarding and frustrating.
Obviously, Rotherham would have benefited from a higher fee in January than they are likely to receive in the summer.
However, at the time the winter transfer window opened, the Millers were only seven points from safety. That was in no way insurmountable.
If anyone was going to help them overcome that, it was Johansson.
Unfortunately for the Millers, that was not the case, but they needed to give themselves the best opportunity of staying up, which included keeping their star goalkeeper.
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