Galatasaray join race for Ben Johnson as new West Ham United transfer update emerges
Galatasaray have joined the race to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson during the summer transfer window, according to Fotomac.
The Turkish outlet reported on Thursday (13 January) that the European giants are planning to jump ahead of Rangers in the race for the 24-year-old’s signature by offering a salary of £million (€2million) a season.
Julen Lopetegui’s side are still expected to make a new contract offer to Johnson this summer, but Galatasaray’s manager Okan Buruk wants to sign a young full-back and the Irons defender fits the bill.
Leeds United had also been interested in signing the versatile star as a free agent, but such a move now appears unlikely after Daniel Farke’s side missed out on promotion to the Premier League.
Will Ben Johnson leave West Ham United during the summer transfer window under Julen Lopetegeui?
While the Hammers appear to be doing everything they can to try and keep Johnson at the London Stadium this summer, it seems to be becoming less and less likely that he will put pen to paper on new terms.
Despite impressing when called upon last season, the 24-year-old has never managed to force his way into the starting XI regularly in East London so it isn’t a surprise that the Irons aren’t willing to break the bank to keep him.
But Johnson doesn’t appear to be the subject of much interest from the Premier League, so the final decision could come down to him. Stay with the Irons in the best league in the world, or follow the money to move to Turkey.
Ultimately, Julen Lopetegeui and the rest of the team at the London Stadium are now powerless to sway Johnson’s decision. Everything should become much clearer in the coming days and weeks as his deal expires in East London.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten has been tipped to go on a summer spending spree following the arrival of Luis Guilherme
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