- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
West Ham United were confident that they had convinced Ben Johnson to sign a new contract but the defender is now expected to join Premier League newcomers Ipswich Town instead.
With a saga that has rumbled on for two years finally set to come to an end, there was a final twist in the tale on Monday.
HITC understands that West Ham United thought they had come to an agreement on a deal that would have seen Ben Johnson belatedly put pen to paper on a new contract at the London Stadium.
Head coach Julen 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.
HITC have been told that, as of Monday, Johnson was close to inking a five-year deal with West Ham. But it is now understood that Ipswich Town have won the race, convincing the 24-year-old to turn his back on The Hammers and swap East London for East Anglia.
West Ham defender Ben Johnson set for Ipswich Town
There were also talks with Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Scottish giants Rangers.
But Johnson has now agreed terms with Ipswich instead. Kieran McKenna’s side, returning to the Premier League after two decades away, will officially confirm the defender’s arrival when he becomes. a free-agent on July 1st.
This is both a coup for Ipswich and a major disappointment for West Ham. Perhaps Johnson feels that first-team action would be more forthcoming at Portman Road; Emerson Palmieri and Vladimir Coufal the regular starters in both full-back spots for West Ham.
Johnson made 22 appearances in claret-and-blue last term. He was, however, only included in the first XI for a Premier League fixture on four occasions during David Moyes’ final season at the helm.
Ipswich, meanwhile, will be delighted to get a player with top-flight experience under his belt. The Tractor Boys are certainly not overloaded with proven Premier League operators. Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe and one-time Leeds left-back Leif Davis perhaps the closest they have got.
A key signing for Kieran McKenna
Davis provided the most assists in the Championship in 2023/24 with 18. He is one of those Johnson will be competing with for a starting spot next term. The two-footed former England Under 21 international is equally comfortable on both the right or the left, and that versatility is likely to come in very handy for McKenna.
“He’s turning into a little bit of a hybrid player for us. One who can do different roles,” Moyes told the West Ham website after Johnson impressed on the right of defence during February’s 3-0 defeat by Manchester United.
“It might not be the solution to the problem long-term, but I have to give him credit for how he played. He did as well as we hoped he would.
“I thought Ben did a really good job for us.”
HITC have been told that Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa were admirers of Johnson too. Ipswich, meanwhile, are also pursuing Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
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