In an interview with Norwegian outlet VG (via West London Sport), Fulham midfielder Stefan Johansen revealed that he will consider leaving Craven Cottage if he’s not included in Scott Parker’s Premier League squad this January.
The 55-cap Norway international was omitted from the Cottagers’ Premier League squad, despite making 36 appearances in all competition for the Londoners last season.
Speaking to VG, Johansen said: ‘It is clear that it is a small bang when you participate in two promotions and are not allowed to play more.
‘I have no doubt that I want to play matches. So, if there is a similar situation in January, then it is of course appropriate to leave.’
The ‘similar situation’ that the 29-year-old is referring to is the potentiality of being left out of Fulham’s updated squad list, which clubs are allowed to submit after the January transfer window.
Interestingly, Leeds were keen on the centre-midfielder back in January 2019, with Marcelo Bielsa’s side believed to have spoken to Johansen according to TEAMtalk.
Whether or not the Yorkshire-based side will go back in for him in light of his revelation remains to be seen, although one thing is for certain – it’s extremely unfair of Parker to exile him.
Johansen played a key role in helping Fulham earn promotion last term, and deserves to experience life in the Premier League as a reward.
Heart-wrenchingly, a similar thing happen to the Norwegian in Fulham’s 2018/19 Premier League campaign.
After racking up eight goals and eight assists to fire Fulham to promotion in 2017/18, Johansen was only handed 12 Premier League appearances as the Cottagers were relegated.
Whenever he has played, he’s proven to be a fine player.
With Bielsa’s excellent coaching abilities, we believe that Johansen would be a decent addition to the Argentine’s squad.
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