3 Viktor Johansson replacements Stoke City must consider amid revived top-flight interest
Stoke City have had a tough season with goalkeeper Viktor Johansson one of the few positives for the Potters.
Stoke City have had another season to forget in the Championship. With eight games left they are just one point above the drop and relegation remains a very real prospect for SCFC.
There have been few positives all year and regardless of how the campaign ends, this summer will be a big one for Mark Robins and the Potters.
And, already, rumours of interest in star ‘keeper Viktor Johansson are circulating. Reports from his native Sweden say AFC Bournemouth are keen while Como 1907 remain admirers after previous interest.
It means Stoke City could need a new number one come the start of next season. Here, we put forward three options they should keep in mind as potential replacements for Johansson…
Daniel Iversen – Leicester City
It seems Daniel Iversen is bound to leave Leicester City at the end of his contract this summer. That is sure to alert plenty of Championship clubs given his experience in the division.
The Dane impressed on loan at Preston North End previously and kept a solid seven clean sheets in 19 games while with Stoke City over the second half of last season.
The Potters know first-hand that Iversen is a reliable goalkeeper at this level and potentially available for nothing, he would be a very smart addition.
Mark Travers – AFC Bournemouth
Another former Stoke City loan ‘keeper who looks destined for a change of scenery is Mark Travers.
AFC Bournemouth are eyeing new ‘keepers in the summer and Travers could be allowed out permanently, so perhaps if the Cherries were to sign Johansson, a deal could be reached to have the Irish shot-stopper come in the other direction.
Again though, the 25-year-old would not be short of other interest. SCFC would have to make themselves a more attractive prospect if they were to sign a goalkeeper like Travers permanently.
Kosei Tani – Machida Zelvia
Last but not least is a little more left-field, but after raiding Japan for Tatsuki Seko, Stoke City could do worse than eyeing Kosei Tani as a promising shot-stopper with growing stock.
Tani only signed for Machida Zelvia permanently in the summer off the back of time at Gamba Osaka but the chance to make a quick profit could appeal to them. They would stand a good chance of doing so too given that he has kept 21 clean sheets in 44 games for them.
It could be a risk for SCFC but in Tani, they could capture an up-and-coming 24-year-old ‘keeper before he appears on the radars of other clubs.
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