West Ham full-back Ben Johnson is expected to leave the London Stadium in the summer, with Leeds United one of the clubs hoping to sign him for free.
Leeds’ transfer policy for the summer isn’t likely to manifest in signings soon, with promotion in the top two likely not on the cards this weekend.
Playoff involvement awaits for the Whites it seems, and with that, they will be hopeful that being the best side this season out of the four competing will see them go up, where ambitious signings could follow.
Leeds interested in West Ham’s Ben Johnson – The Athletic
The Athletic revealed back in January that one of Leeds’ targets to strengthen at full-back was West Ham’s versatile defender Ben Johnson.
Out of contract in the summer, he stayed put under David Moyes after a resurgence in form playing across various positions including midfield.
Leeds wanted a loan deal for the 24-year-old Irons full-back, but eventually signed Connor Roberts from Burnley in a likewise deal.
Ben Johnson update emerges amid Leeds interest:
The same outlet have now revealed that Johnson is expected to leave the London Stadium at the end of this season, with no new contract coming.
Johnson has turned down multiple offers from the club in order to leave, having already held talks with Rangers:
“Johnson, meanwhile, is set to leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season, with Rangers one of a number of clubs interested.
“The 24-year-old’s representatives have held talks with the Scottish side and has also attracted interest from Crystal Palace and Championship side Leeds United.
“The right-back has rejected multiple contract offers from West Ham. Their recent offer was a four-year package, but both parties failed to reach an agreement. In February 2022, the versatile defender turned down a six-and-a-half-year deal.”
Leeds should be all over Johnson:
Johnson looks like a perfect signing to build our squad for next season, no matter what division we’re in.
The issue is that we’d only really stand a chance if we’re in the Premier League, given Rangers can offer European football and Palace are in the top flight.
He would be a great addition on either side of our defence and it would be a shame if we missed out on a straightforward solution to our back four issues.