26. Premier League and Fulham In July 2007, Johnson saw increased speculation over a transfer to the Premier League. Derby County had been most vocal, with Derby manager Billy Davies confirming that he would explore the U.S. market. However, after MLS accepted a $6 million bid from Derby, Johnson reportedly nixed the deal as he preferred to finish his season in Kansas City. Johnson revealed his contract is structured to give him final say over whether he is purchased by fifteen designated clubs. Johnson left the national team camp in California on January 17, 2008; he completed a transfer to Fulham on January 23, 2008, signing a contract extending until the summer of 2011. Loan to Cardiff City He joined Championship side Cardiff City on loan for the 2008–09 season in August, making his debut for the club during a 2–1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in the Football League Cup. He went on to make his league debut four days later as an eighty-fifth-minute substitute in a 0–0 draw with Sheffield United. He struggled to recover his goal-scoring form that he showed during his time in MLS. However, he regained some of his form as the season progressed, and had a breakthrough week when he scored his first goal in English soccer on March 7, 2009, in a 3–0 victory against Doncaster Rovers. Four days later Johnson was named man of the match for his performance in Cardiff's 3–1 victory over Barnsley. A month later, when Cardiff hosted Derby County, Johnson scored his second goal of the season and added an own goal during injury time as the Bluebirds rolled to a 4–1 victory. Johnson's goal for Cardiff also meant that he was the last Cardiff City goalscorer under the Ninian Park floodlights. Johnson returned to Fulham from Cardiff City for the 2009–10 season. He featured in the majority of Fulham's pre-season fixtures, scoring in a friendly at Australian club Melbourne Victory, was on the bench for Fulham's 3–0 victory over Vetra in the first leg of the third round of the Europa League, and came on as a late substitute in and recorded an assist in Fulham's 3–0 win in the second leg against Vetra. Greece and Loan to Aris On December 31, 2009, Johnson joined Greek side Aris Thessaloniki on loan for the remainder of the 2009–10 season. On January 13, 2010, Johnson made his first appearance