"A real big problem" - Pundit urges Derby County to reconsider interest in Rotherham United man | OneFootball

Former England midfielder Carlton Palmer believes Derby County are being linked with a move for Viktor Johansson because Joe Wildsmith is out of contract.

However, he thinks if a new deal can be agreed for the current Rams number one, then Paul Warne will not pursue a move for the Rotherham United man.

Derby County may join Sheffield United and Stoke in the Viktor Johansson race

Given that Rotherham United are back in League One next season and how well goalkeeper Johansson has done, it is no surprise to see that he is being mentioned with a summer exit.

Sheffield United and Stoke City have been credited with an interest in the goalkeeper, but they now face fresh competition.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, both sides remain interested in Johansson, but they also face competition from Derby County, who are set to join the race.

The Millers shot-stopper is said to have a £900,000 release clause in his contract, and while Stoke City are said to be leading the race, Paul Warne is keen on reuniting with a player he signed for the Yorkshire club in 2020.

The 25-year-old was Rotherham’s best player this season, despite the fact that he conceded a staggering 85 goals in 45 Championship games.

Carlton Palmer issues verdict on Derby County link to Viktor Johansson

Here, we asked former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Carlton Palmer for his thoughts on Derby County possibly joining the race for Rotherham’s Viktor Johansson and if he thinks Paul Warne being Rams manager gives them an advantage.

Palmer believes Derby would have a problem if they signed Johansson, given how well current number-one goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith has done.

He also adds that he thinks talk of the Rams being interested in the Sweden international is because Wildsmith is out of contract.

Palmer exclusively told Football League World: “It is reported that Derby County and Paul Warne may join the race to sign Viktor Johansson.

“It’s been revealed that he has a £900,000 release clause from Rotherham, so it is understandable that he will be playing his football away from Rotherham next season.

“This is a difficult one, this one, I can understand that Paul Warne would be in pole position to sign Viktor, having managed the player before.

“But I think he will have a real big problem, as Joe Wildsmith has been very impressive for Derby County this season and if you're going to sign somebody like Viktor, he is going to come in as your number one goalkeeper, whereas Wildsmith has picked up all the accolades this season.

“He has won the Golden Glove; he has been absolutely outstanding for Paul Warne this season. 20 clean sheets, so I think the problem that Paul Warne has, that's why he's probably being linked with a Johannson is Wildsmith's contract is up at the end of the season.

“He’s 28 years of age, so if Wildsmith does commit himself to Derby again, he's going to want to be first choice, and if you sign Viktor Johansson and you are able to pull him in, in the wake of the likes of Sheffield United and Stoke, who are interested in the player he's got to be your first-choice goalkeeper.

“So, maybe I think that Paul Warne’s been linked Viktor because he's worked with him before, on the basis his goalkeeper Wildsmith is out of contract at the end of the season. I think if they can secure Wildsmith on a contract, I think Paul Warne would use the £900,000 that he would spend on a goalkeeper. He would use that somewhere else, that's my opinion.

“But if Wildsmith was to leave and not sign a new deal, then of course, you'd be interested in Viktor Johansson.

“But with the likes of Sheffield United and Stoke interested in him, and they are going to be pushing at the top of the Championship next season, certainly Sheffield United you would expect to, and I think Stoke will be there or thereabouts around the play-offs.

“You would think that they may have an advantage on Derby, but as I said, I think this is more to do with the problem that they've got to secure the services of their current goalkeeper Wildsmith because he's been huge for them this season, and he was very instrumental in them getting back to the Championship, and he's been Paul Warne first choice keeper since his appointment in September 2022.”

Viktor Johansson would be a top addition for Derby County

Despite Rotherham United’s struggles this season, Viktor Johansson has held his own and has shown ability that makes him a very good goalkeeper at Championship level.

Therefore, given the Millers are back in League One next season, it is no surprise to see teams circling the Swede with interest.

All these interested sides will appeal to Johansson, but given that Derby County do have Paul Warne as manager, that could boost their chances ahead of these other sides.

However, the Rams could be predicted to be near the bottom end of the table, while a team like Sheffield United will be expected to be near the top end.

So, these factors will also come into the thinking of the goalkeeper, but if Derby got a deal over the line, Johansson would be a very good addition for the Rams, and he would strengthen their bid to stay in the Championship.