Arsenal Transfer Target Report: Birmingham Hardman Roger Johnson

This is a player who’s known for his toughness and aggression, he’s one of the best defenders in the Premier League or was. A recent Carling Cup winner with the now-relegated Birmingham City, he has been linked with numerous clubs for the past two seasons, including the Gunners. The player is Birmingham City hardman, Roger Johnson.

Roger Johnson was born in Ashton, England on April 28, 1983. He stands at around 6′ 2″ and plays as a central defender, as well as being an able left back. Roger Johnson, started his career as a part of Wycombe Wanderers’ youth setup at the age of 15, and made his debut at the age of 17 years and 8 days in the Football League, becoming the youngest ever to make a Football League at that time. Roger Johnson spent 6 years with Wycombe Wanderers, where he was a huge fan-favorite, winning the Fans’ Player of the Year Award in the end of the 2003-2004 season as well as being handed the captaincy at the age of 21.

Roger Johnson, after making 169 appearances and scoring 22 goals in his 6 seasons with the club, left to Cardiff City and was a major success with the club, forming an excellent partnership with then teammate, Glenn Loovens and winning the club’s Player of the Year Award in his first season at the club. He had another successful season with the club, despite the loss of his partner-in-crime Glenn Loovens to Celtic and the constant defensive rotation between Darren Purse and Gabor Gyepes. Johnson put in another excellent season, winning his second straight club’s Player of the Year Award and getting included in the Championship Team of the Season.

After two excellent seasons with Cardiff, making 129 appearances and scoring 14 goals, Johnson left to the Premiership, signing on with Birmingham City. Roger Johnson, had an excellent first season, leading many to suggest him as a future England international and forming an excellent partnership with Scott Dann and was listed as the 22nd best player in the Premiership that season. In his second season with Birmingham, Johnson put in another great season, despite the club’s troubles, leading them to a memorable League Cup win despite playing for most of the second half with an injury. Despite Johnson’s best efforts, he couldn’t stop Birmingham from being relegated and is now being linked with a move to various Premier League clubs. He has so far made 88 appearances, scoring 3 goals with Birmingham City.

Roger Johnson, is a tough, reliable, aggressive, no-nonsense and consistent defender with excellent aerial ability, who has impressed many who watch the Premier League. He is a huge fan-favorite at Birmingham, as well with his previous clubs which display what a consistent performer, who gives his all in every game. In my opinion, he’s one of the most underrated players in the Premier League, shown by not receiving the England call-up that he deserves. Roger Johnson, in my opinion, would do well at any club in England, including the Gunners, who were linked with him numerous times last season. Johnson, is an attainable target for the Gunners and could be a good signing. He has guts, determination and has the character to do well. It surprises me that he still hasn’t been linked with Arsenal, in my opinion, he probably is the closest player England has to my dream signing Giorgio Chiellini, and he is definitely a more attainable target. According to transfermarkt.co.uk, Johnson is valued at around 4.4 million pounds; Roger Johnson should be considered as a potential defensive target.

There aren’t many videos of Roger Johnson showing his defensive side, and the videos aren’t really clear:

 

 

 

What do you think? Should Wenger consider signing Johnson? Is he good enough to be a Gunner? Please share your thoughts and opinions.

Cheers and take care,

Omar – www.o-posts.net