Fulham chase Ben Johnson transfer: ‘Substantial’ Ipswich update
Fulham are chasing Ipswich Town’s Ben Johnson but there is a “substantial” stumbling block to deal with.
The Whites were keen to add a right-back to their squad in January, but multiple options were hesitant to move to the club due to targets’ reluctance to compete with Timothy Castagne and Kenny Tete.
The Dutchman’s contract expires in the summer and he recently struggled up against the lively Kamaldeen Sulemana in Fulham’s unconvincing 2-1 win over Southampton.
Having kept just five clean sheets this season, the fourth-lowest total in the Premier League, Tottenham target Marco Silva will undoubtedly be keen for defensive reinforcements this summer.
Fulham interested in Ipswich Town right-back Ben Johnson
According to Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth, the Whites are interested in Johnson but it will not be a simple deal.
The former West Ham man is reportedly a part of Kieran McKenna’s plans for the Championship next season and does not have a relegation clause in his contract.
As such, if Fulham have any hopes of signing him, it will require a sizeable bid to prize him away from Portman Road.
Sheth has previously indicated that the Cottagers are interested in another relegated option in Southampton’s Kyle Walker-Peters, but expect to face competition there.
Fulham look to spend big this summer with defensive reinforcements a priority
Football Insider Verdict
Having kept spending to a minimum in recent years, the Whites splashed out on Joachim Andersen and Emile Smith Rowe last summer, making the latter their record signing.
As a result, Fulham are closing in on playing European football for the first time since the 2011/12 season.
However, there remain issues within the squad, especially defensively, as the Whites have kept five clean sheets this season, with only the relegated trio of Ipswich, Southampton, and Leicester keeping fewer than Silva’s side.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | League rank | Fulham |
| Goals per match | 13th | 1.5 |
| Goals conceded per match | 9th | 1.4 |
| Expected goals | 13th | 45.5 xG |
| Clean sheets | 17th | 5 |
| Average possession | 8th | 52.3% |
The Whites are expected to target more defensive reinforcements this summer, with Joao Palhinha linked with a return to Fulham after a difficult season with Bayern Munich.
The Portuguese midfielder broke records for his tackling numbers during his time at Craven Cottage and the links show the Cottagers’ intent to shore up their defence this summer.