Derby County have moved to sign Bradley Johnson, their ninth summer signing, before the close of this summer’s transfer window.

Derby County have moved to sign Bradley Johnson, their ninth summer signing, before the close of this summer’s transfer window.

The 28-year-old midfielder joins Jacob Butterfield today in putting pen to paper on a four-year deal and signs from Barclays Premier League side Norwich City for an undisclosed fee.


Johnson, Norwich’s Vice Captain and Player of the Year last season, brings further strength and experience to Paul Clement’s midfield options after completing his medical examination at the Training Centre in partnership with the University of Derby earlier today.


Speaking on the midfielder’s arrival, Derby Head Coach Paul Clement commented: “Being able to bring Bradley to Derby represents a major coup for the football club.


“As I have said before, the midfield position is one we have been trying to strengthen, not just with numbers but with quality, and Bradley certainly brings that in abundance.


“His experience will prove invaluable to us. He knows how to get out of this division, he has played a lot of Premier League football and is a leader.


“These are all qualities that we are looking to bring to Derby County and we are delighted to have a player of his stature and quality added to our squad.”


Sam Rush, the Rams’ Chief Executive & President, added: “I would like to take this time to thank the backing from our Chairman Mel Morris, he has played a big part in getting this deal over the line.


“This is a significant fee and for us this is a great way to conclude our transfer business this summer, which has seen nine quality players come through the door.


“We have put together an impressive squad and I, as does everybody else, look forward to seeing it flourish this season in the Championship.”


After starting on the books of first Arsenal and then Cambridge United as a youngster, Johnson earned a move to Northampton Town.


Two separate loan spells early on led to him breaking into the first team at Sixfields where his impressive performances saw him snapped up by Leeds United.


Like at Northampton, Johnson first went on loan to Brighton & Hove Albion, where he made 10 appearances and scored five goals, before breaking into the first team at Elland Road.


After narrowly missing out on promotion, Johnson played a starring role in not only helping the Whites return to the Championship, but then stabilise in the second tier.


His form earned the powerful midfielder a move to the Barclays Premier League after Norwich City moved quickly to secure his services ahead of a number of their top flight rivals.


A popular member of the squad in East Anglia, Johnson eclipsed over 100 appearances for the Canaries and although they suffered relegation at the end of the 2013/14 season, Johnson, again, stood out as they bounced back at the first attempt last season.


The midfielder scored 15 goals and was named Player of the Year as Alex Neal’s side returned to the top flight via the Play-Offs and has also featured in five of Norwich’s fixtures so far this term as well.


In total, Johnson has made over 350 career appearances – 100 of which came in the top flight – in which he has scored 43 goals.