West Ham United to listen to offers for Ben Johnson this summer, new contract unlikely
West Ham United are unlikely to hand defender Ben Johnson a new contract at the London Stadium, according to Claret & Hugh.
The 23-year-old has been in and out of the team at the London Stadium this campaign, amassing just 742 minutes of Premier League football across 13 appearances, with David Moyes preferring Vladimir Coufal and Thilo Kehrer at right-back.
Johnson has been the subject of Premier League interest in the past, with fellow strugglers Everton reportedly linked with a deadline-day move back in January, according to Daily Mail journalist Sami Mokbel.
And according to reliable club source Claret & Hugh [20 April], the Hammers are unlikely to hand Johnson a new deal with his contract expiring in 2024 and are willing to listen to offers for his services this summer.
“Despite him being a squad team member who can fill two or three positions it looks likely the club will listen to offers for him in the summer.
“The club had intended to negotiate with him around Christmas but decided against it bearing in mind his form hadn’t been great at that time.
“Claret and Hugh were told at that time the club were deliberately holding off offering him a deal in the hope that things would improve for him.
“Nothing much has changed since and with Everton showing interest the Hammers will listen to offers”, the source reveals.
Shame
It’s a shame that West Ham United are willing to allow one of their bright academy products to depart the London Stadium this summer, especially with the potential departure of Coufal this summer.
Johnson has proven himself to be a reliable and assured defensive option for Moyes throughout his time at the club, and it makes you wonder what could become of the 23-year-old if he is given the regular opportunities his talents deserve.
His versatility has proven a crucial commodity for the Hammers too, and defenders who are able to play in several key positions along the back line are in actual fact, a rare breed.
More crucially, Everton will likely return for a move for him this summer providing they too remain in the Premier League. Should that happen, it could represent an ideal next move for Johnson as he looks to discover a new lease of life elsewhere.
However, with much change expected to take place at West Ham United this summer, especially on the managerial front, it’s important the club don’t make any rash decisions regarding Johnson’s future.
The next manager may want to evaluate his talents and progress in pre-season and we feel he still deserves a chance to impress.