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Stoke City are facing an uphill battle to keep Swedish shot-stopper Viktor Johansson, as we can reveal that one Premier League club are interested in the Potters’ star man.
Stoke City have enjoyed an emphatic start to the 2025/26 Championship season under the stewardship of Mark Robins.
With three wins on the bounce for the Potters, including a statement victory away at Southampton, where Robins’ side managed to see off the promotion contenders at St Mary’s, optimism is at a high at the Bet365 Stadium.
Several players have gone above and beyond in the early knockings of the season, including star goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
The Swede, however, has attracted Premier League interest, and we can reveal how Mark Robins hopes that the club will respond.
Mark Robins’ true feelings as Viktor Johansson attracts Sunderland interest
EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal, via transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, that we understand that Sunderland are interested in Stoke City goalkeeper Viktor Johansson.
Despite Sunderland bringing in Dutch keeper Robin Roefs, who is now ahead of Anthony Patterson in their pecking order, Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris is keen to add another shot-stopper to his squad.
Sunderland, who still want another central defender and centre-forward before Monday’s deadline, are now looking at Johansson, who has enjoyed a brilliant start to the season.
We are also told that Mark Robins would be loathed to lose Johansson and has told the club not to sell the Swedish shot-stopper.
Johansson has been integral to Stoke City’s promising start, having notched one clean sheet and also provided an assist in the win against Southampton last time out in the Championship.
What Stoke City boss Mark Robins has previously said about Viktor Johansson
Ever since Mark Robins took over at Stoke City, he has been in awe of his goalkeeper, regularly praising him in the media. Following the clash with Southampton, it was no different.
“He [Viktor Johansson] was really good, I thought he was brilliant in every element of his game,” said Robins following Stoke City’s win vs Southampton. “I thought he was outstanding, he is outstanding.
“You’ve got to try to keep your best players and he’s certainly one of those, one of the best in the division. I’m going to shut up now because there’s still a few days left in the window.”
The Potters boss is keen to keep hold of the goalkeeper because of the crucial role he has played for Stoke City since his arrival from Rotherham United.
His performances were always set to attract interest from the Premier League eventually, but Robins will hope that his No.1 goalkeeper can commit his future to Stoke City and stay beyond the summer transfer window.