Stoke City have had a positive transfer window as they prepare for the 2025/26 Championship campaign.
While there is still work to be done at the bet365 Stadium, the Potters have improved their starting XI in multiple areas, most importantly in defence.
Mark Robins will still feel as though he needs more depth out wide, but the addition of Sorba Thomas, who impressed for Wales in June, is very promising.
Yet, it emerged on Monday that one key Stoke player could be on his way out of the club in the coming weeks after previous interest from West Ham United. Nevertheless, a fresh update on his future has now come out.
Viktor Johansson is expected to stay at Stoke City this summer
Despite Fabrizio Romano reporting that Viktor Johansson will be on his way out of the Potters before transfer deadline day, it now looks as though the goalkeeper will remain in Staffordshire.
Viktor Johansson of Stoke City celebrates victory following the Sky Bet Championship match between Stoke City FC and Swansea City AFC
Photo by Cameron Smith/Getty Images
According to Pete Smith, Stoke do not expect an approach to be made for Sweden’s first-choice shot-stopper. The club’s beliefs have not changed, and they have not been swayed by any other team or agent.
The report also states that Johansson is happy at the bet365 Stadium, which will be extremely pleasing for Robins ahead of his team’s Championship opener against Derby County this weekend.
Johansson urged Stoke to bring Ashley Phillips back on loan this summer and this news will be received extremely well.
Viktor Johansson is vital to the Potters’ success
The 26-year-old was one of the only consistent players for the Potters last season and keeping hold of him is arguably better than any signing they could make.
Without Johansson between the posts in 2024/25, Stoke may have found themselves in even more danger than they already were and survival may not have been achieved.
Viktor Johansson during Stoke City FC v Blackburn Rovers FC - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images
However, Robins will be keen to get the former Rotherham United goalkeeper tied down to a longer deal to ensure that they are protected if a move is made for him in the future, with the Potters boss playing a blinder by keeping hold of his number one.
As Romano said, West Ham have previously shown an interest in Johansson. While nothing materialised then, with just under a month to go in the transfer window, there could still be another twist in this saga.