Some Derby County supporters have taken to Twitter to wish Bradley Johnson the best following his move to Blackburn Rovers.
The club’s official website confirmed Johnson’s transfer on Friday morning. The midfielder was excluded from Derby’s trip to Florida, suggesting a transfer away from the club was in the pipeline.
Johnson has signed a two-year deal at Blackburn. His previous contract at Derby was set to expire next summer, having signed a one-year extension on vastly reduced terms.
But the fee for the player has been mooted as a free transfer. It’s a deal which could work out for all parties involved, and Derby fans have wished Johnson the best at Rovers.
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Will Derby County miss Bradley Johnson?
Johnson became Derby’s record transfer signing in 2015. He arrived for a £6 million fee from Norwich City, having helped the Canaries to promotion the season before.
Many Derby supporters expected him to be the sort of player to finally get the Rams over the line. However, promotion eluded Johnson at Pride Park, with three playoff defeats in four seasons.
The 32-year-old made over 120 Championship appearances for Derby. He featured in several midfield roles, though towards the end of last season he became the club’s first-choice holding midfielder.
Blackburn have been looking for experience this summer. In new signings Stewart Downing and Johnson, they have a strong base and protection behind attacking midfielder Bradley Dack.
Johnson could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for Rovers, and a player to help push them on towards a potential playoff challenge this coming season.