West Ham United defender Ben Johnson is reportedly set to reject the club’s final contract extension offer and explore his options as a free agent, according to TEAMtalk.
Despite West Ham’s reluctance to lose the 24-year-old, negotiations for a new deal throughout the season have been unsuccessful. The club’s last-ditch attempt to retain Johnson hasn’t swayed him.
With his current contract expiring next month, Johnson is prepared to test the free agent market. Clubs like Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton are reportedly interested in acquiring him.
Johnson has made 22 appearances this season, but regular starts have been elusive under outgoing manager David Moyes. The irony is that Johnson’s departure coincides with Moyes’ exit.
The arrival of Julen Lopetegui as manager and the apparent strengthening of Tim Steidten’s influence within the club signal a new chapter for West Ham. While this could have presented an opportunity for Johnson, there was no guarantee of increased playing time under the new regime.
Several other Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, are interested in Johnson. This widespread interest likely played a role in his decision to decline West Ham’s offer and seek a new challenge.
West Ham will hope to minimise the impact of Johnson’s departure. His potential, however, seems to be recognised by other clubs, suggesting yet another missed opportunity for the Hammers.
I would rather Johnson get paid the money for trying than Kalvin Phillips for not!
I like Johnson but unfortunately he is not a starter but a squad player and not worth the $60K a week he is after.
On the surface, the stupidity and the treatment of Ben Johnson by West Ham just beggars belief! Am I missing something? And don’t tell me that he has no talent and is not worth keeping!