Villarreal join race for West Ham defender Ben Johnson to seal bargain January transfer
Villarreal are interested in West Ham defender Ben Johnson but face competition from Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini, according to TEAMtalk.
The website reported [15 January] that Villarreal and Real Betis are lining up January moves for the 23-year-old right-back ahead of the player’s contract expiring at the end of the season.
It is understood that Villarreal are searching the English transfer market for prospective bargains, with the West Ham man fitting the profile for the type of signing they are after.
Pellegrini, who gave the young defender his Hammers debut in 2019 during his 18-month rein, is said to be an admirer of Johnson and has kept tabs on him since departing the London club, but Villarreal will hope they can pip Betis to the signing.
Weighing up the pros and cons
The situation in Villarreal’s squad could make Johnson’s decision for him, with Juan Foyth injured, Adria Altimira out of contract at the end of the season, and 33-year-old Kiko Femenia to choose from.
Foyth and Femenia have both experienced spells in England and could help Johnson adapt to life in Spain. And for West Ham, the sooner the player makes a decision, the better.
The 23-year-old has angered some at West Ham with the club’s refusal to meet his wage demands leading to the player not signing a new contract, as per Claret & Hugh. So, without a new deal, the defender is free to talk to foreign clubs and sign a pre-contract.
Though Johnson is nearing a century of West Ham appearances, David Moyes has shunned him for most parts of this season, deputising for the club’s academy teams at times. The manager has made his plans for the squad clear. And it is not good news for Johnson.
In other West Ham news, a star player could return sooner than expected after the latest development.