West Ham United: Exit-linked Ben Johnson rejects two new contract offers, he can leave for free this summer
Ben Johnson has rejected two new contract offers at West Ham as he enters into the final six months of his deal, according to The Athletic.
The news outlet reported on its website on Friday (19 January) that the 23-year-old right-back has failed to reach an agreement over an extension as he wants assurances over his playing time at the London Stadium.
The former England U-21 international, who has been linked with a move to Leeds United, will be able to leave on a free transfer in the summer if the Hammers fail to agree terms over a new deal with the academy product.
Surprising
It’s quite surprising to hear that West Ham are so desperate to tie Johnson down to a new deal after his time at the club appeared to be coming to an end.
The versatile defender had fallen well down the pecking order over the past year, but following the departure of Thilo Kehrer to Monaco, it looks as though the door may have been opened back up to him at the London Stadium.
It’s unlikely that he’s going to be able to take the first-choice spot at right-back from Vladimir Coufal, but there could be minutes available to him if David Moyes decides to rotate between the pair with the Hammers still in the Europa League this season.
Although he’s clearly open to staying in East London after coming through the ranks with the club, it’s fair for him to ask for some reassurance about playing time first.
If there is no movement on this situation in the next few days, then it will be interesting to see if we try and offload him to ensure we at least get some money from a potential sale before he leaves on a free transfer.
In other West Ham news, the club are eyeing a move for a player on £200,000 a week.
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