Leeds United may be free to make their first signing of the summer transfer window as Ben Johnson is set to leave West Ham United following the expiry of his contract, according to reports.
Johnson was a bit-part player for the Hammers this season under David Moyes, leading to speculation about his future in East London. Football Insider previously reported that West Ham did make a late attempt to tie him down to a new deal as Moyes was leaving in the summer but the fullback had set his sights on exiting the club.
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Back in January, Leeds United were reportedly interested in acquiring the right-back as Daniel Farke was keen to bolster his defensive department after stalwart Luke Ayling left for Middlesbrough on loan, a deal that has now been made permanent. Nevertheless, the West Yorkshire outfit signed Connor Roberts on a short-term loan deal instead, while Johnson ran down his contract with West Ham.
Now, though, Football Insider have released a new report, claiming that the Whites have been put on alert as Johnson is set to leave the club he has been with for the past 17 years, joining as a seven-year-old boy in 2007.
Leeds are in the market for a new right-sided fullback after Roberts’ loan spell at Elland Road expired and Ayling has left the club. The Wales international did not enjoy a very fruitful spell, making merely 12 league appearances under Farke. Furthermore, there is rumoured to be strong interest from teams in the top-flight for youngster Archie Gray. Leeds may be forced to sell the teenage sensation as a result of missing out on promotion to the Premier League following a 1-0 defeat at Wembley to Southampton last Sunday.
Writer’s View
Johnson’s situation has been quite similar to that of Jeremy Ngakia who left West Ham four years ago to join Championship side Watford after the Hornets were relegated from the top tier of English football. Despite believing he could finally earn regular first-team football, Ngakia has made merely 69 league appearances in four seasons.
The lesson to be learned from his old teammate is for Johnson to pick his next move wisely. Leeds United are hoping to secure his services this summer but there has also been interest from Rangers in Scotland. Unless Johnson can be given assurances that he will get some much-needed time on the field, he should think twice about moving to Elland Road.
Deputy Head of Writing
