Ben Johnson’s future at West Ham United is in doubt, but a new twist has emerged. While the 24-year-old full-back was expected to leave the club upon his contract expiry at the end of June, BBC Sport reports that West Ham are now in negotiations to extend his stay at London Stadium.
Earlier reports heavily linked Johnson with a move away from West Ham. Both Rangers and Leeds United were touted as potential destinations. However, these talks might have stalled due to Rangers’ apparent struggle to meet Johnson’s salary demands and Leeds’ failure to secure promotion to the Premier League.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is planning a significant squad overhaul this summer. His tactical approach, focused on possession-based play, is a stark contrast to the style employed by his predecessor, David Moyes. This raises questions about whether Johnson will fit into Lopetegui’s plans.
Last season, Johnson found himself behind Vladimir Coufal in the pecking order for the right-back position, only managing 854 minutes of playing time across all competitions. However, Johnson’s versatility and young age make him a valuable asset. Even if he doesn’t become a starter under Lopetegui, he could be sold for a profit later if his development continues.
The ongoing talks between West Ham and Johnson will determine his future. Whether the club can convince him to stay and fight for a place under Lopetegui, or whether he seeks a fresh start elsewhere, remains to be seen.
And now that Moyes has left the club he may get more games
I really would like him to stay with West ham he is a good player also Moyes didn’t give him enough games
He has to stay, he’s the nominated sweeper upper in the changing room, a job nobes have him the other year.
I would like him to stay. Been with the club since a kid, good character and valuable squad member who given a chance could gain a regular slot in the team. Maybe the new manager sees his potential.
Better off at rangers, we will take him and turn him into a player and yous can buy him back 4 about 40 million in 18months time
How people can judge whether he’ll strengthen a starting 11 based on the measly minute Moyes gave him is beyond me? Perhaps he might be a little better if he got the minutes? I personally rate him highly.
Might it just be that he wasn’t good enough to displace first eleven starters unless they were injured. Now there’s a radical thought…
And how many other players fell out of favour with Moyes, as he resisted squad rotation and substitutions?
Johnson is a valuable (Home-grown) squad player, who hasn’t really found his best position yet. Maybe new management and coaching can help him find his way?
When the story was that he’s definitely leaving I said he’s a useful squad player due to his versatility but his quality doesn’t add to your strongest eleven. That doesn’t change due to the story changing to he might be staying.
Why let him go for free and then pay £5-10million for a back up player who is no better.