West Ham United is embroiled in a tense contract battle with homegrown defender Ben Johnson. The 24-year-old’s current deal expires this summer, leaving his future at the club hanging in the balance.
Talks between Johnson and West Ham reportedly broke down after the defender rejected a long-term contract offer. While details remain undisclosed, the sticking point appears to be wages. Johnson is said to be seeking a significant increase, with reports suggesting a tripling of his current salary to £60,000 per week. This has left West Ham hesitant to commit.
Despite failing to establish himself as a regular starter, Johnson has shown glimpses of promise during his substitute appearances. His versatility across the backline is a valuable asset for any team.
Manager David Moyes is a vocal advocate for Johnson’s retention, highlighting his importance as a squad player. West Ham is reportedly making a final attempt to convince Johnson to stay, hoping to avoid losing a talented academy graduate.
The contract standoff has attracted interest from ambitious Championship sides like Ipswich Town, Southampton, and Leeds United. Also north of the border with Rangers declaring an interest.
With both Premier League and Championship clubs vying for his signature, Johnson’s future remains undecided. West Ham’s final offer and Johnson’s willingness to compromise will determine where he plays next season. The coming weeks will be crucial in this tug-of-war for the young defender.