Update on Viktor Johansson's Stoke City situation emerges | OneFootball

Stoke City will demand a big bid from any side wanting to lure away Swedish goalkeeper Viktor Johansson this summer

Stoke City's place in the EFL Championship for next season is secured, though things could have been very different for the Potters, whose supporters will be pleased to see the back of another campaign.

Another year of Championship football is almost over, and for Stoke, it's yet another year of disappointment.

This season, more than almost any other since their relegation from the Premier League in 2018, will be arguably their most frustrating, having proven in the early stages of the year that they had the potential to fight towards the summit of the table.

However, things have seriously tailed off in the Potteries, with only Sheffield Wednesday picking up fewer points across the last 30 games than Stoke; their hot start to the campaign has ultimately been the only thing that has kept them up.

Manager Mark Robins will point to several factors for this downfall, likely none bigger than injuries, which have ravaged his side more than most.

Recently, 18-year-old defender Pijus Otegbayo has been thrust into the backline due to injuries to make his professional debut, whilst Syd Agina has also deputised at right-back.

However, arguably their most damaging injury has been to goalkeeper Viktor Johansson, as Stoke have made their stance surrounding the Swedish international clear ahead of inevitable summer interest.

Stoke City will demand a substantial bid to part ways with Viktor Johansson this summer

Johansson has long been regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the Championship, even during his time with Rotherham United.

He'd leave the Millers to join the Potters in the summer of 2024 for a fee that could reach just over £1 million due to a release clause in his contract, and since then, he has been one of the club's most important players.

Last season, the Swede prevented 10.3 goals from going in, trailing only Burnley's James Trafford, now of Manchester City, according to FotMob, with his efforts in goal imperative to Stoke avoiding the drop.

He looked to be on course to reach a similar tally this campaign when a shoulder injury sustained against Sheffield United in late December meant he required surgery, and as a result, he has missed almost the entirety of the second half of the season.

The 27-year-old's absence meant that Tommy Simkin was recalled from his loan at Leyton Orient following the sale of Jack Bonham to Bolton Wanderers, whilst Gavin Bazunu joined on loan from Southampton in the winter to provide more competition.

Bazunu then remarkably picked up an injury of his own in training after just one game, meaning Simkin was forced back into the firing line for a stretch of games, before the Irishman's return.

Bazunu endured a difficult spell with Southampton in the first half of the season and was subsequently allowed to leave following the arrival of Daniel Peretz, but has since failed to perform to the required standards, being at fault for goals against both Wrexham and Millwall, before returning to the Saints early.

Johansson looks to be in line to return for the final game of the season against Bristol City, but it's too little too late for Stoke, who are resigned to a ninth consecutive bottom-half finish in a row.

According to Stoke Sentinel's Pete Smith, it would take a 'hefty bid to wrench him away' from the Potteries this summer, as Johansson enters the final year of his contract. Though crucially for Stoke, his deal reportedly contains a one-year extension option, which will almost certainly be triggered in any instance sooner rather than later.

It will be almost impossible for Robins' side to replace Johansson in terms of both output and character, and they will be looking to do everything they can to wave away inevitable interest this summer.

Due to turn 28 at the beginning of next campaign, the Swede may feel he is overdue for a shot at playing in the Premier League, and few would deny that he hasn't earned that opportunity.

However, Stoke must be ruthless and look out for their best interests, as keeping him fit and between the sticks is a game-changer, with only a huge bid being worthy of prising him away from the Potteries this summer.

Mark Robins must be steadfast in his approach to Viktor Johansson's transfer situation this summer

Attentions will have long been turned to the summer at the bet365 Stadium, as despite their awful run of form, relegation has never been a real threat for Stoke this campaign.

Robins will be outlining plans for his squad next campaign, with decisions to be made for those whose contracts are set to expire this summer imminently.

The former Coventry City boss will have a clear idea of who he sees leaving the club in the window and what areas of improvement need to be made.

The 56-year-old has never been under pressure in his role despite Stoke's form, and he will likely be the man to lead them into the next campaign, where he will be hoping for a fast start once again, but this time, to sustain that form.

In any instance, it will be a big summer for Stoke, whose best piece of business will arguably be retaining their star assets, such as Johansson, with whom they must be firm in their stance.