West Ham United exit news emerges after new Ben Johnson update
Ben Johnson has attracted interest from a trio of Championship clubs this summer, with suggestions he may depart West Ham United, according to 90min.
Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey reported on Sunday (28 August) that Southampton, Middlesbrough and Birmingham City were all monitoring the defender at the London Stadium with a desire to secure his services.
Johnson, a product of the Irons’ academy has fallen down the pecking order, with David Moyes reinforcing his defence and he is yet to play a single minute this season having not been able to agree to a new contract.
The Irons’ hope of signing Harry Maguire before the window closes on 1 September has meant that more outgoings are likely in the final days of August, with Johnson one of the more desired assets that could depart should the right fee be offered to the Hammers.
Means to an end
Johnson is an excellent asset for West Ham to have at their disposal as they continue what will be a very busy campaign this season, with both domestic and European football on the cards for the third consecutive year.
The 23-year-old played 29 times for the Irons in all competitions last season and was part of the England side that won the U21 European Championship this summer, starting two of the six matches the Three Lions played during the tournament.
While he is a huge talent, the Irons are currently undergoing a bit of a transformation as they attempt to kick on from last season’s European success and because of that mass change, there will be players who won’t be as important in the future.
Johnson will likely play a role should he remain at the London Stadium beyond the summer transfer window, but it won’t be as a consistent starter in Moyes’ side and if he believes that he should be first-choice, he may need to drop into the Championship.
The advantage for the Hammers and Moyes is that with a trio of clubs chasing his services, they should have no issue ensuring that they get the fee they deserve for his services.
In other West Ham news, one pundit has been left embarrassed by Harry Maguire’s reluctance to join the Irons