Derby County’s pursuit of Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson is well-known, but if they don’t land the Swedish international, they should snap up another ‘terrific’ goalkeeper instead.
The transfer window is still a month away from opening but plans are being finalised as Derby enter an important period.
David Clowes will be arming Paul Warne with the funds to bolster his squad this summer. The club are currently making decisions over the 12 players out of contract in June, with first-choice goalkeeper Joe Wildsmith heading that list.
The 28-year-old was previously linked with a move to the Premier League, but after winning the Golden Glove this season with 20 clean sheets, supporters are clamouring for him to stay.
Unfortunately, a spanner has been thrown in the works regarding his future following links to Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson. Warne is reportedly keen to link up with his former No.1 after working with him at Millers however, if they fail to land the towering Swede, there is another option they should go for.
Derby County should snap up Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow
Despite Rotherham suffering a painful relegation, Johansson has enjoyed a fantastic season. That is despite conceding a whopping 89 goals in 46 games.
Interest in the shot-stopper who was called ‘top class‘ by Steve Evans has been rife with Championship promotion hopefuls Leeds circling the 25-year-old.
Leeds are keen on luring Johansson to Elland Road to challenge Ilan Meslier, which could open the door for Karl Darlow to exit.
The Whites captured Darlow from Newcastle United last summer but the 33-year-old has only made two second tier appearances in what has been a dismal move so far.
Darlow could resurrect his career by moving on from West Yorkshire, especially if Leeds trigger Johansson’s £900,000 release clause.
Indeed, Derby could be an ideal destination for the Englishman, who sees his contract expire in 2026.
What Karl Darlow would bring to Derby County
Darlow is a supremely experienced shot-stopper. He played 34 times for Newcastle in their Championship promotion-winning season in 2016/17 and was lauded as ‘terrific‘ by former manager Steve Bruce.
Warne will crave second-tier experience in abundance if they are to stay in the division and Darlow – who has 154 appearances to his name – could be right up his street.
Of course, bringing him to Pride Park would all hinge on Wildsmith’s future, but if they decide against renewing his contract, the Leeds keeper would be an ideal replacement.
Not only does he display great reflexes, but the main reason why Daniel Farke signed him was for what he could bring with the ball at his feet.
Indeed, if Warne chooses to go for a more methodical style in the Championship, Darlow is comfortable with playing out from the back.
It will be interesting to see if Wildsmith exits the club this summer and who is brought in to replace him.
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