Tim Steidten is keen on keeping Ben Johnson beyond the end of the season following two rejected contracts.

One of the biggest positives to Ben Johnson’s game has always been his versatility. He has played all across the back line countless times, but in recent times he has displayed this all over the park. In fact, his best performances over the past couple of years have come since the turn of the new year where he has played in midfield and on both wings.

This recent resurgence has understandably left the Hammers keen to extend the 23-year-olds contract (which expires at the end of the season) with Tim Steidten in particular said to be eager on making this happen, according to The Athletic.

Throughout his time at Bayer Leverkusen, Steidten always favoured signing younger players and clearly Johnson has impressed him if he is so desperate to give him a new contract.

Despite it being rumoured that the stumbling block in negotiations were down to wage demands, our own ExWHUEmployee revealed that it was more down to playing time. 

Hopefully, Johnson can get the minutes his recent performances deserve to alleviate his concerns. He may have had a dip in form, but the young man we know and love seems to be back – a new contract is truly deserved.