West Ham are reportedly still eager to give Ben Johnson a new contract, but would rather sell him now than lose him on a free this Summer.
One thing West Ham have always been extremely proud about is their academy. Throughout the history of the sport, it has produced an immense amount of world-class players. Over recent years that may have slowed down a bit, but Declan Rice proved that the Academy of Football still develops top quality players.
When Ben Johnson first broke into the starting XI, he looked like he could be the next success to come of the youth set up. For a while, he was on track to be a brilliant player for the Hammers, unfortunately this was derailed by his dip in form over the last couple of years.
Despite this, West Ham are still eager to renew his contract, Football Insider report, but there is a huge difference between what Johnson wants and what the club are willing to pay.
Unsurprisingly, teams have started sniffing around the 23 year old with Real Betis and Villareal debating whether to sign him on a pre-contract agreement.
Fortunately, the news outlet believes that Leeds could be preparing a move for the defender this month, potentially cutting West Ham’s losses. The Whites currently sit 4th in the Championship, 7 points off the automatic promotion places. A Premier League proven player like Johnson could give them the edge that they need to bounce straight back up.
Leeds are not the only English club interested in him though, with Southampton, Everton and Sheffield United all said to be weighing up a move.
Obviously, West Ham would much prefer to sell him but they would also consider letting him go out on loan, as long as they get a decent fee for it. Any money raised from Johnson’s departure would be put towards their budget for incoming transfers.
If this is to be the end of his time in claret and blue, Johnson can look back at his time at the club with his head held high. The last two years may not have gone exactly how he would have wanted from a personal point of view, but knowing he played a role in such a historic period of the football club he grew up supporting will be something he holds onto for life.
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