Jermaine Jenas admits he was surprised that West Ham let go of ‘star’ defender

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Former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Jermaine Jenas has admitted that he was surprised that West Ham United decided to let go of a ‘star’ player this summer.

West Ham United have been busy this summer with Julen Lopetegui replacing David Moyes as manager of the Hammers with the Spaniard tasked with improving the club’s fortunes.

The Hammers signed Palmeiras midfielder Luis Guilherme and have also brought in Wolves’ Max Kilman for £40 million.

West Ham have also brought in OGC Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo and the Hammers have signed Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United.

Sales have also been key this summer for West Ham but Jermaine Jenas has been surprised by one decision.

Jermaine Jenas surprised by Ben Johnson sale

Speaking during TNT Sport’s coverage of Liverpool’s victory over newly promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road, Jenas admitted he was surprised that West Ham United sold Ben Johnson to Kieran McKenna’s side.

“I was surprised they let him go to be honest,” Jenas said, I always thought they had a star on their hands with him so it was a surprise to me.”

Ipswich agreed a deal with West Ham for Johnson back in June and the Englishman looks set to be a key player for the East Anglian club.

Head coach Lopetegui had even given assurances to the academy graduate – who has turned down numerous offers since 2022 – that he would be a key part of his first-team plans.

Johnson had even agreed a five-year deal with West Ham but changed his mind at the last minute to depart at the club.

Ben Johnson could be key for Ipswich

Lopetegui, as mentioned, wanted to hold on to the English defender but the right-back decided that a move to Portman Road would be best for his career.

With Emerson Palmieri, Vladimir Coufal and Wan-Bissaka as full-back options for the club, Johnson perhaps felt his game time would be limited.

Johnson will be a key cog for Ipswich if they are to remain in the Premier League under McKenna, who was linked with a move to Brighton & Hove Albion.