The Potters have made their first signing of the summer, which will take effect when the transfer market opens in June. Stoke City have signed Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on a three-year agreement.
The Swedish international shot-stopper will join the Potters for an undisclosed cost after the Millers were relegated from the Championship at the end of the season, with Steven Schumacher’s side swooping in to make him their first signing of the summer transfer window.
The 25-year-old’s signing comes following a four-year spell at AESSEAL New York Stadium, where he made 135 Championship games and won the Club’s Player of the Season Award, having previously played for Aston Villa and Leicester City.
Stoke City Sporting Director Jonathan Walters stated, “We’re delighted to have Viktor join the Stoke City family.” Viktor, who was one of the league’s best performers last year, offers quality, but just as important is the spirit he brings to the dressing room.
“There is a lot of work to be done between now and the start of the season, but doing this business so early sets the tone for the club and our intentions for the 24/25 campaign.”
Johansson expressed his delight upon his arrival at the bet365 Stadium, saying: “It’s fantastic to be here.” Stoke City is a huge club, and this is a proud day for me and my family.
One thing my teammates, coaches and the fans can be sure of is that I will work really hard.
“My Dad works hard, my Mum works hard, I come from a hard-working family and that’s the sort of person I always want to be, to make the most of living my dream and get as high as I can in the game.
“I have heard a lot about the Stoke fans, both home and away, and I’m told that their support is incredible, so I can’t wait for that. I share the ambitions of the Club and it’s a journey I really want to be part of, so I’m looking forward to getting started.”
Potters’ Goalkeeping Coach Darren Behcet added: “Viktor is a player I have always admired. He has tremendous shot-stopping ability and I like the confidence he has in coming off his line and commanding his penalty area.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with Viktor and I’m sure the fans will make him feel like one of our own.”
From November 2020 onwards, the Potters’ new signing established himself as Rotherham’s first choice, quickly becoming something of a cult hero among supporters after suffering head injuries and helping the club claim automatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship and the Papa Johns Trophy in the 2021/22 season, during which he kept a club-record 27 clean sheets.
He subsequently preserved 13 league clean sheets the following season, earning the club’s Players’ Player and Player of the Season awards before enjoying individual success on the international stage with Sweden. He previously represented his country at the under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels.
Johansson made his debut for Sweden against Moldova in October of last year.
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