Tim Steidten decides on Ben Johnson after double West Ham United rejection behind the scenes
West Ham technical director Tim Steidten wants to keep Ben Johnson at the London Stadium, according to The Athletic.
The publication reported on its website on Friday (23 February) that the defender has turned down two contract offers in East London.
The 24-year-old, who has made seven Premier League appearances this season, has a contract until this summer.
“Steidten has taken the lead for their player recruitment strategy and West Ham supporters have been impressed with his contributions,” according to The Athletic. “He and Moyes accelerated contract talks with Jarrod Bowen, who signed a seven-year contract in October.
“In January, members of the hierarchy were reluctant to engage in further contract talks with Ben Johnson, who is entering the final months of his deal. The versatile defender has turned down two contract offers and Steidten wants to keep him.”
Will Tim Steidten convince Ben Johnson to stay at West Ham?
Johnson has completed a remarkable turnaround at the London Stadium, with the defender back on the scene after being exiled in the earlier stages of the season.
The 24-year-old was constantly overlooked by Hammers manager David Moyes for several months, both domestically and in Europe.
But the player has clearly done enough behind the scenes to impress his boss, with Moyes relying heavily on Johnson in recent matches.
And he has repaid that faith with several top displays, not only in defence but also in midfield, with Johnson undoubtedly one of the most versatile players at the club.
Such versatility should be enough to convince the London Stadium chiefs to get to work right away on a new contract for the defender.
Steidten has worked wonders in his brief time at the Hammers, so listening to him is certainly the approach the club must take in order to achieve success on the pitch.
In other West Ham news, a Hammers ace is on the radar of an international manager amid concerns regarding one of his London Stadium teammates.
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