West Ham United: Ben Johnson told he can leave the London Stadium amid Crystal Palace transfer news
Frank McAvennie has told Ben Johnson he can leave West Ham this summer amid transfer interest from London rivals Crystal Palace in recent weeks.
The former West Ham striker was not happy after he saw Johnson smiling and laughing during a heavy defeat for the Hammers – something he insists is not a good trait to have.
This comes after The Palace Way. reported on 21 March that Crystal Palace were closing in on a deal for Johnson to make the move to Selhurst Park on a free transfer when his deal with the Hammers expires.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – shared his view that Vladimir Coufal is the better player, and Johnson is not strong enough, so he would be happy to see him leave.
“I don’t know. He’s one of the boys I’ve got a gripe about because I love when people are laughing and enjoying themselves, but when you’re getting beat and you’re smiling, it’s not a good trait for me,” said McAvennie.
“I remember we were getting battered and he was laughing. Really?”
“I might be totally wrong, but it stuck with me and I’m sure some of the fans would have seen it as well. I’m not doubting the boy can play, but Coufal is the better player for me.
“He’s not strong enough for me, Johnson. I would let him go.“
Will Ben Johnson leave West Ham for Crystal Palace?
The right-back was heavily linked to a move away from the London Stadium in January, with interest from Leeds United and Rangers mooted alongside Palace before nothing ever materialised, but it appears Palace maintained their efforts.
Palace has been an option for several players leaving the Hammers in previous years, with Hammers favourites James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate both making the move south of the river, and Johnson could be the next to follow.
Hammers fans will likely be annoyed to see an academy product leave the club, but there will be recognition that he never truly managed to make his mark in the first team, despite some impressive performances this season.
Johnson has been used in his usual position as a right-back, but also on the left-hand side and even in the centre of midfield this season as he displayed his versatility – something West Ham could miss out on if he makes the move.
In other West Ham news, PSR concerns have been dismissed at the London Stadium.
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