West Ham have put an end to the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham potentially signing Ben Johnson with the Irons triggering the defender’s two-year extension option in his contract.
According to the Evening Standard, the Hammers have taken up the option in the fullback’s deal to extend his contract to 2024, with Johnson enjoying a breakout season with West Ham in a campaign that could see the east London side once again qualify for Europe.
As per the report, West Ham made the contract decision in large part to ward off interest from Premier League clubs, with Liverpool, Antonio Conte’s Tottenham and even Arsenal keeping tabs on Johnson.
The 22-year-old fullback has made 19 appearances in all competitions this season playing a number of roles. Whilst Johnson is naturally a right-back, the youngster has this campaign played also at left-back and left-midfield across the Premier League and UEFA Europa League.
Labelled as ‘a wonderful professional’ from assistant coach Stuart Pearce, Johnson has flourished this campaign and joins the ever-growing list of talented right-backs the England national team have to call upon.
And with the Hammers now extending Johnson’s contract, the defender could become a key part of David Moyes’ long-term plan for West Ham despite the fullback’s lack of first-team minutes in recent weeks.
Johnson contract decision should excite West Ham fans
With the defender impressing when given the chance this season, Johnson’s contract extension should hint towards Moyes having a big plan in place for the Waltham Forest-born prospect.
Indeed, Johnson has shown this season that he can be a real part of West Ham’s hopeful future, and this new contract extension could show that the club are willing to use him more in the future as the Irons aim to qualify for Europe for a second year in a row.
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