Crystal Palace make Ben Johnson transfer decision as West Ham United exit draws closer
West Ham United defender Ben Johnson is unlikely to move to Crystal Palace this summer as his contract looks set to expire, according to The Sunday People.
On page 57 of their 26 May edition, Darren Witcoop’s report reveals that Palace’s interest in the 24-year-old has cooled, making a switch across London unlikely.
The Hammers have made several attempts to tie down Johnson’s future with the local lad having come through the youth system in East London, but it looks as if the versatile full-back is set on departing for regular football, even despite the exit of David Moyes.
Johnson was linked to Palace earlier in the season as the Eagles enjoyed a strong end to 2023-24 under Oliver Glasner.
Time for Ben Johnson to fly the West Ham nest
At 24, Johnson has to leave West Ham United and kick on in his career.
It became apparent some time ago he was never particularly fancied by Moyes, and it’s very unlikely the arrival of Julen Lopetegui and some ambitious transfer business by the club will do anything to elevate the former England U21 man into a first-choice spot.
Johnson has yet to make over 20 Premier League appearances in a single season, but his versatility makes him an appealing addition to several squads, a trait which will always garner him interest.
The man himself knows he is at a crossroads and looks to be standing firm, with the Hammers clearly keen to keep him around as a backup option but Johnson giving his due time to potentially interested alternatives such as Rangers and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The talent Johnson has shown during his fledgling years at West Ham illustrate that there is a very high ceiling still there for him should he tie down a regular spot in a decent side, and potentially even England recognition further down the line.
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