West Ham are close to signing defender Ben Johnson to a new 5-year contract. That’s the latest news from Hammers ITK ExWHUEmployee, who has revealed that a deal is imminent.
Claret & Hugh broke the news last week that West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui was pushing for Johnson to be offered a new deal, seeing the defender as a key part of his plans.
The versatile right-back is also known to have impressed Tim Stiedten last season, who was always encouraging the academy graduate to remain with the club.
It is thought that Johnson would have happily signed last season for a squad wage believed to be in the region of £45-50k per week. However, he became concerned that he was not given a fair chance at first-team football by former manager David Moyes.
Despite performing well for the club when used as a substitute, even though he was often played out of position, Johnson rarely got a chance. There were many occasions where the team was a shambles defensively and conceded a considerable number of goals, but Johnson still did not get an opportunity.
Unbelievably, despite being given his debut against Manchester City by Manuel Pellegrini, Johnson has never been given a run in the Hammers first team in his favored position.
I believe Johnson is a very capable RB who can also play as supporting centre back and R midfield. He is a modern player that will fit in well with J-Lo’s style of play.
I only see him of any use as a versatile squad player, he’d need to improve dramatically in order to be a first choice starter. Makes sense to have him on a contract as that gives him a value even though I do not foresee him pulling up trees.
Lopetegui will need to improve him drastically. We need players of international quality at West Ham if we’re ever going to mix it with the big boys. Simple as that.
I think Moyes lack of inspiration or giving players their fair crack of the whip is self evident here. For the players like Johnson who only had the odd game here and there must have been completely demoralised. Will be interesting to see if JLo can make him a better player.
A shrewd bit of business. Now we’ll get a fee if he goes and not lose him for nothing. Even if only a couple of million.
WE WOULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION IF HE GOES, OF AT LEAST 2M
As usual Moyes botched the whole Johnson saga and Westham will lose him for nothing unless Lopetegui convinces him that he’ll be playing regular football for Westham . He’s not the best RB but shows potential as a winger of sorts .
I really hope Ben Johnson moves on he is no where good enough to be playing in the premier league there are far better players available I’d sell him and use the money to bring in a quality defender one that stays awake till the final whistle
Cant sell an out of contact player, if you give him a 4 year deal on £45k a week, thats below 10mill, you wont be able to get a player of his quality for 10mill (Thats including transfer fee and wages)
He is out of contract so it won’t be selling him sadly. Won’t get anything for him.
It amazed me under Moyes, on those rare occasions DM did put a sub on, it was Johnson who he often turned to, whether defence or midfield yet, the same fellow didn’t think him worthy of a new contract – I found it very strange.
Although prone to lapses – I don’t think it will be a bad thing for Ben to stay with us