Ben Johnson has attracted interest from multiple clubs abroad amidst West Ham’s desire to sell the academy graduate.
West Ham simply have to sell before they can buy. It is not worth running the risk that Nottingham Forest and Everton have run and are set to be punished for. It would be pointless spending money on players just to get deducted points for doing so. Fortunately, one thing the owners do exceptionally well at is the business side of football.
However, it is obvious that the Hammers do need to improve on their squad if possible and the club are eager to sell fringe players in order to raise finances. One such player is Ben Johnson who the club have failed to tie down on a new contract. The Full-back’s wage demands are said to be a considerable amount away from what the club are willing to pay. In order to not lose him on a free this Summer, the club would like to cash in on him now.
Plenty of clubs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old defender, such as Leeds, Sheffield United, Southampton and Everton. Now, teamTALK reports that Johnson could be on the move to Spain with both Real Betis and Villareal showing interest.
Former Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini obviously knows the Academy of Football graduate from his time in East London making Betis an exciting proposition. Villareal also could be a club that he seriously considers though, they have established themselves as European regulars, they are having a poor season in La Liga though, and won the Europa League back in 2021. Both clubs have made it out of their respective groups in Europe, making them even more appealing.
However, interest from the two Spanish clubs may not be good news for the Irons. Teams outside of England are allowed to open talks with a player from the Premier League 6 months before their contract expires. If he signs a pre-contract deal with either of them it would mean that West Ham are not allowed to sell him.
Hopefully, an English club gets there first so our Irons can get some sort of money for him. Even then, Johnson may not want to move abroad and may opt to stay in his home country. Essentially, if we do want to sell him, then the club must act as quickly as possible in order to not lose out on the transfer funds that they so desperately need.
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