Hammers heading for costly error as contract ticks down
West Ham’s Ben Johnson finds himself in high demand, with only six months left on his current contract. Premier League clubs and European teams are eager to secure Johnson’s signature for free. However, negotiations with West Ham regarding Johnson’s wage demands remain uncertain, while the academy graduate continues to impress with a series of outstanding performances.
This season, Johnson has showcased his versatility, excelling in both midfield and defence, attracting interest from Everton, Brentford, and Valencia. West Ham’s indecision on contract negotiations could lead to the departure of this prized asset, resulting in an unfortunate situation for the club.
Hammers heading for costly error with Johnson’s expiring contract
There is a genuine concern that if West Ham fails to retain Johnson and he joins another team next season, it would be an embarrassment for all parties involved. Despite the club’s lacklustre performance in the January transfer window, Johnson’s ability to not only serve as an understudy but thrive in different roles has inadvertently benefited the struggling recruitment team.
Whilst it may not be ideal to deploy Johnson as a winger, except in emergencies, he has proven his competence in various positions. The versatile defender is reportedly seeking a salary that is less than half of the club’s top earners. If West Ham delays further, they risk having to purchase a player of Johnson’s calibre, duplicating an asset they already possess.
I was ready to see us let him go before his recent performances. The energy he brought to midfield in his cameo v Sheffield United was intriguing, and I’d love to see more.
But let’s not get carried away and forget the awful performances earlier in the season… Perhaps it was just that he needed more games, and given Coufal’s recent form, I would welcome seeing him given more minutes now. Defo worth a new contract if the wage demands aren’t silly.