Lee Hendrie has claimed that a move to Bournemouth could be on the cards for Stoke City’s Viktor Johansson if Kepa Arrizabalaga doesn’t stay at the club.
According to Swedish outlet Sport Bladet, Andoni Iraola's side are keeping tabs on the 26-year-old following his performances in the Championship.
The Swede joined Stoke last year from Rotherham United following their relegation from the second division.
Johansson has earned a lot of plaudits for his performances so far this season, even with the club fighting against relegation to League One themselves.
Viktor Johansson transfer verdict
Sweden's Viktor Johansson
Hendrie has praised Johansson’s performances for Stoke, and claimed there should be no surprise that he’s being linked with a bigger move already.
He believes that the 26-year-old could take the step up to Bournemouth as a smart option to replace Kepa if he goes back to Chelsea after his loan spell ends this summer.
“Bournemouth, yes, been linked with Viktor Johansson, he’s been brilliant for Stoke this season,” Hendrie exclusively told Football League World.
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“In fact, I think he’s been really key in keeping them just adrift, I know they’re in that relegation fight but you only have to look at his save ratio this season, and what he’s produced and what big, big saves he’s made to keep them in games and obviously keep them just afloat.
“But it wouldn’t surprise me if one of the top clubs come looking for him, and that’s why he’s been linked away, Bournemouth obviously being one of the clubs that are looking.
“Kepa will go back to Chelsea, who has had a good season, probably had a bit of a dip in form of late.
Viktor Johansson - Stoke City league goals conceded and appearances (per Fbref.com)
Season
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2024-25
As of March 18th
“But they’ll be looking for a goalkeeper, and if it’s not Kepa that they sign on a permanent, I’m sure they’ll be looking elsewhere.
“And Viktor Johansson’s been outstanding.”
Johansson has kept 11 clean sheets from 38 league appearances, with Stoke sitting 20th in the Championship table.
Andoni Iraola
Losing Johansson this summer would be a big blow for Stoke
Johansson has been outstanding for Stoke this season, playing a crucial role in keeping the team out of the relegation zone.
It’s been a very disappointing campaign for the club, and relegation would almost certainly mean the goalkeeper left.
But staying up may also not be enough to convince him to stay if a move to Bournemouth is on the cards.
That would be an exciting step up at this point of Johansson’s career, and the Cherries would surely be able to afford whatever asking price Stoke put on his future.