Ben Johnson: Expert suggests what’s really holding back defender from signing West Ham deal
Ben Johnson will be demanding “assurances” on his future role before committing to a new West Ham contract, according to Alan Hutton.
The former Scotland defender, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed other clubs will be “snooping around” the 22-year-old.
According to The Athletic (28 February), West Ham offered Johnson a six-and-a-half-year deal but failed to reach an agreement.
As a result, the Hammers have triggered a two-year extension clause in the right-back’s contract – which was set to expire at the end of this season.
Johnson has made 12 Premier League starts for West Ham this season, scoring once.
“Every player will want to be first choice, and he’s shown his quality,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s shown what he’s capable of at such a young age. He’s come into a team that is flying at the top of the table.
“He’ll be wanting some assurances, definitely, before signing that long-term deal.
“They’ve obviously got Coufal, who has been excellent for West Ham at a bargain price.
“He’ll want assurances and explanations about there being a pathway to him being first choice. I’m sure he’ll sign, but there’ll be other teams snooping around for sure.”
Johnson came through the ranks in east London and made his first-team bow against Man City in February 2019.
As per the Sun (1 March), Arsenal and Spurs are interested in the full-back.
First-choice right-back Vladimir Coufal is currently sidelined after undergoing surgery on a groin injury.
In other news, Kieran Maguire reveals how Russia fall-out impacts West Ham with 75 deals analysed.