Johansen was training regularly with City's first team in the 2010–11 season, and signed a new two-year contract with the club in May 2011. Johansen made his debut for the first team when he played seven minutes of the friendly match against League of Ireland XI on 30 July 2011. After playing regularly for the reserves during the 2011–12 season, Johansen signed a professional contract with the club in July 2012, signing a three–year contract extension. Johansen played a number of pre-season friendlies ahead of the 2012–13 season, and started the season on the bench during Manchester City's FA Community Shield win against Chelsea. He spent most of the season playing in the reserve team for the next seven months.