Tyler Roberts may be far from the finished product, but the 20-year-old is not short of admirers in West Yorkshire. His time on the field at Elland Road could be cut short next season, however, if reports by Football Insider are true.
They are claiming that we are weighing up a move for Fulham’s Stefan Johansen, who is set to leave Craven Cottage for free in the summer, rather than returning from his January loan at West Bromwich Albion.
His status is said to be appealing for Marcelo Bielsa, as the boss considers the midfielder to be one of the best free agents likely to hit the market this summer.
The 28-year-old would offer the boss some more welcome Premier League experience should we secure promotion, as Johansen had managed to record a handful of outings in the top-flight following the Cottagers’ promotion.
He was shipped out in the winter under Claudio Ranieri, though, and his move to the Hawthorns has not been overly productive for the Norway captain, either – the 47-cap ace has only managed to earn six appearances with the Baggies.
Yet what he has managed in the West Midlands, is his one goal and one assist. That may not sound great, but his 2.1 key passes per ninety minutes is the sixth best hit rate at WBA – Johansen’s record eclipses that of regular first-team stars James Morrison, Hal Robson-Kanu, and is close to double that achieved by Jay Rodriguez.
If we are interested in taking him in the summer, we would not be alone in offering the central midfielder his desired chance to explore new surroundings, however, as Football Insider adds that a number of foreign clubs are also weighing up a move.
Although, we would at least not have to worry about West Brom holding an early lead in the race, as Albion have already rejected the chance to retain his services at the end of his loan.
The potential implications for Roberts will have to be considered, as well, as Johansen would likely occupy his place in the side, rather than taking minutes away from Mateusz Klich, if he were signed.
Klich’s place would likely be safe as he is only one of two players – along with Ezgjan Alioski – to start all 39 of our Championship games this term, and has proved that he can offer goals and assists on a far more regular basis than his younger colleague.
The Poland international is also a bit more adaptable for Bielsa, as he can play the deeper midfield role. Whereas Roberts needs to be able to push forward in order for us to see the best from him, which is where Johansen would step into the side.