West Ham United defender Ben Johnson wanted by Southampton – The Athletic
West Ham defender Ben Johnson is now a target for Southampton, according to The Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas.
Johnson is due to be out of contract at the London Stadium at the end of the season and has yet to feature so far this term under David Moyes.
Thomas provided an update on his future on The Athletic transfer blog on Thursday [24 August, 18:14], as Johnson may now follow Flynn Downes to St Mary’s.
“Southampton are interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson,” Roshane said.
“Southampton are in the market for a full-back following the departure of Tino Livramento to Newcastle earlier this summer.”
Decision time
Academy graduate Johnson has been on West Ham’s books for the past 16 years, but it is looking increasingly likely that his future lies away from East London.
The full-back has made 87 senior appearances for the Hammers, 17 of those coming in the Premier League last season.
However, Johnson rejected United’s offer of a six-and-a-half-year deal in February 2022 [The Athletic] and will become a free agent next summer.
West Ham will therefore be tempted to cash in on the former England U21 international while he still has some value.
Should that be the case, though, David Moyes’ side would likely have to bring in some cover, as Johnson has been included in their squad for both league games this season.
Regular football would be the best option for Johnson, who is not exactly young in footballing terms, but West Ham may have to take a selfish approach and keep him on board if there are no adequate replacements out there to provide cover.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are reportedly eager to quickly bring in another attacker once they finalise a deal for Mohammed Kudus.