Since joining Derby in 2022, Wildsmith has established himself as one of League One’s top goalkeepers. He opted to leave Sheffield Wednesday after a successful stint of 89 games, making his debut in 2015 and proving his talent over seven years.
At Derby, Wildsmith was ever-present in League One, FA Cup, and EFL Cup matches in his first season, even delivering a memorable clean sheet at Anfield in a narrow loss to Liverpool on penalties. In total, he kept 21 clean sheets in 54 games as Derby narrowly missed out on the League One playoffs.
His impressive performances continued into the 2023/24 season, where he rebounded after a brief period of being dropped from the starting lineup. Wildsmith recorded 10 clean sheets in the final 16 league games as Derby finished second in the table with 92 points.
Although he narrowly missed out on the Team of the Season, Wildsmith won the Golden Glove for his 20 clean sheets in 40 league games, highlighting his exceptional form during the campaign.
| Joe Wildsmith’s Derby County Stats (As per Transfermarkt) | |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 97 |
| Goals conceded | 88 |
| Clean sheets | 42 |
Despite his solid showings, Warne proved he is not undroppable after preferring back-up goalkeeper Josh Vickers for a run of games in January, and that could serve as a warning sign for Wildsmith for this summer.
With his contract expiring in July, he would likely not be short of suitors in the third tier and could well exit Pride Park if Derby pursue their interest in Johansson.
Viktor Johansson would be a coup for Derby County but would leave Joe Wildsmith in the cold
The Swedish goalkeeper faced relegation with Rotherham United this season but his exceptional performances prevented more goals from going in. He’s earned the title of “cult-hero” at the club and received their Player of the Season award for the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
Johansson has a £900,000 release clause due to relegation, attracting interest from clubs like Sheffield United, Stoke City, and Leeds United. Derby County, as a newly-promoted Championship side, may find it challenging to secure his services, but manager Warne’s previous association with him could be a factor.
If Johansson were to join Derby, he would likely demand to be the first-choice goalkeeper, signaling the end of Wildsmith’s time as number one. This scenario would probably lead to Wildsmith leaving Pride Park, with both parties acting in their best interests.
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