West Ham United full-back Ben Johnson is poised for a summer exit after failing to agree a deal with club. The 24-year-old defender, a product of the Hammers’ academy system, has surpassed 100 appearances for the club, but his desire for regular first-team football appears to have driven his decision to seek pastures new.
Rangers have emerged as frontrunners in the race to sign Johnson on a free transfer. The Scottish Premiership giants reportedly held talks with the defender, with the prospect of competing with captain James Tavernier for the starting right-back role likely to be a major draw.
However, Johnson’s availability has also attracted interest within England. Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are monitoring the situation, while unnamed Championship clubs, including Leeds United, are also believed to be keen.
Johnson’s versatility could prove to be a key asset for any potential suitor. Primarily a right-back, he is also comfortable playing on the left flank. This adaptability could be particularly attractive to Rangers, who are anticipating the departure of current left-back Borna Barisic at the end of the season.
Johnson’s European experience is another factor that could tip the scales in Rangers’ favour. He was a key member of the West Ham squad that lifted the UEFA Europa Conference League last season, showcasing his ability to perform on the big stage.
With his contract expiring in June, Johnson will be free to negotiate with any interested club. While Rangers appear to be in pole position at present, the coming weeks could see a transfer battle unfold, with Premier League sides also keen to secure the services of this talented young defender.
Moyes abused Ben’s versatility by only ever playing him as an injury filler in one off games then mostly benched. As for the club saying he is greedy – for wanting the same contract as the lowest paid squad member having played 100 first team games? With Ings paid three times as much? Clowns to the left, jokers to the right.
Well said. Indicative of the overall attitude shown towards all academy graduates these days.
Ben Johnson may be a victim of his own versatility.
IMHO (And I’ve said this for some time) he’s best position is in midfield, he has the engine, good in the tackle and occasionally picks out a killer pass/cross.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t displayed enough burst to play wing, or quick enough on the ball for central mid or consistency with ball playing.
I wonder if the situation with the manager were different, how different would Bens’ career be?
We need someone in charge at West ham who Will blood the abundance of talent we have in our youth structure full stop
It looks like there is a problem with this thread not publishing comments at the moment. Or am I suddenly banned for some reason?
Hammerpete6 you tell it like it is. I love your clever inclusion of the Stealers Wheel lyrics. Very appropriate analogy for the West Ham hierarchy!
Cheers Hammeroo mate
I don’t know what you Johnson lovers watch but Johnson does not contribute any play in defence next time you watch him see how he vacates that corner and watches his team mates fighting to retrieve the ball no way a premiership player