Stoke City confirm Viktor Johansson signing

Stoke City have confirmed the signing of Rotherham United goalkeeper Viktor Johansson on a three-year deal.

The Swedish international shot-stopper will join the Potters for an undisclosed fee following the Millers’ relegation from the Championship at the end of the season, as Steven Schumacher’s side swooped in to claim him as their first signing of the summer transfer window.

The 25-year-old’s move follows a four-year stint at AESSEAL New York Stadium where he amassed 135 appearances at Championship level and won the Club’s Player of the Season Award after stints at Aston Villa and Leicester City in the past.

Stoke City Sporting Director Jonathan Walters said: “We’re delighted to secure Viktor’s signature and have him join the Stoke City family. As one of the standout performers in the league last year, Viktor adds quality, but just as important as the talent is the character we are introducing 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 himself highlighted his delight upon his arrival to the bet365 Stadium, saying: “It’s brilliant to be here. Stoke City is a massive club and this is a proud moment 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.”

The Potters’ new signing established himself as Rotherham’s No.1 choice from November 2020 onwards, quickly becoming something of a cult hero for supporters after suffering head injuries and helping the club claim automatic promotion to the Sky Bet Championship and win the Papa Johns Trophy in the 2021/22 campaign where he kept a club-record tally of 27 clean sheets.

He then kept 13 league clean sheets the following season which saw him claim the club’s Players’ Player and Player of the Season accolades before finding individual success on the international stage with Sweden. Having previously represented his country at under-17s, under-19s and under-21 level, Johansson made his debut for Sweden against Moldova in October last year.