West Ham news: Agbonlahor issues ‘100%’ Ben Johnson-Tottenham claim after talks update
Ben Johnson and his agent are wise to West Ham after he rejected their offer of a six-year deal, according to Gabby Agbonlahor.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed West Ham are trying to keep Johnson on a £25,000-a-week deal for six years and there is no point signing a contract for that long.
The Athletic reported on Monday (28 February) the right-back has turned down a long-term deal and the club have instead triggered a two-year extension.
He is now under contract with the Hammers until the summer of 2024 and is said to be fully focused on establishing himself as David Moyes’ first-choice.
Johnson is closing on 50 appearances for the Hammers and has a chance to stake a claim with Vladimir Coufal out injured.
“I don’t think it’s a worry for West Ham,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“West Ham are trying to do what Spurs have done for years, signing up their better young players for six years.
“They see that as clever thinking. If they give you a £25,000-a-week, six-year deal, even if you have the best season of your career, they don’t have to renegotiate your contract after that.
“It’s what Spurs have done and you’re stuck on £25,000-a-week for the whole six years.
“If you sign a three-year contract and you do well, you have to be given a new contract after a year and a half on better terms.
“Maybe West Ham are taking that approach that Spurs have used.
“Johnson and his agent are wise to that, 100 per cent. There’s no need to sign a six-year contract, it just doesn’t make sense. If I was him, I’d definitely not sign that.”
In other news, West Ham have been handed a ‘big’ transfer boost by a 16 goal/assist sensation.