Derby County are reportedly in the market for a new goalkeeper after being linked to Rotherham United’s Viktor Johansson. Here are three alternatives they could sign if they don’t capture the towering Swede.
According to journalist Alan Nixon via his Patreon account, Derby have joined Sheffield United and Stoke City in the race to sign Viktor Johansson.
Johansson has enjoyed a fine season for Rotherham, despite how poorly his team have performed, with the 25-year-old ranking sixth in the division for goals prevented (3.19).
Nixon claims the Swedish international has a £900,000 release clause in his contract, and while Stoke are said to be in pole position to sign him, Paul Warne is keen on reuniting with a player he signed for the Millers in 2020.
Here are three players Derby could sign if they don’t land Johansson…
Arthur Okonkwo (Arsenal)
Arthur Okonkwo is a promising young goalkeeper.
The 22-year-old was captured on loan by Wrexham last summer and he’s since had an incredible campaign, earning a place in the League Two Team of the Season.
His heroics in between the sticks also helped get the Welsh side promoted to League One, with Phil Parkinson describing Okonkwo as having “real potential”.
There appears to be a consensus that the Englishman can play at a higher level and with his contract expiring at the Emirates this summer, that could be with Derby.
Marek Rodak (Fulham)
During his time as Rotherham boss, Warne loaned Marek Rodak to the New York Stadium from Fulham.
The 26-year-old kept 11 clean sheets in 35 games to help the Millers seal promotion to the Championship in 2017/18 and then played 45 times in the second tier.
Much like Johanssen, Warne knows Rodak well and acquiring either on loan or a permanent deal from Fulham seems like a wise option.
Rodak sees his contract expire at Craven Cottage this summer, and while Fulham could renew it, making a permanent move to Derby could be the best step in his career.
After all, the Slovakian shot-stopper has only made two top-flight appearances since helping his side win promotion to the Premier League in 2022.
James Beadle (Brighton)
James Beadle was loaned to Sheffield Wednesday from Brighton in the January transfer window.
The 19-year-old impressed between the sticks, keeping a solid eight clean sheets in 19 appearances as Danny Rohl pulled off a miraculous escape at Hillsborough.
Wednesday are said to be interested in bringing the teenager back on loan, but as he performed brilliantly, surely other Championship clubs will be put on red alert.
Derby should throw their name into the hat and hijack a move for Beadle who is sure to have a successful future in the game.
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