Ben Johnson, a target for Leeds United, is considering his options and believes that playing regularly in the summer will be more important than anything else. He now plays for West Ham United.
Johnson’s current deal at the London Stadium expires at the end of this month, and numerous English and European clubs are reportedly interested in signing the 24-year-old. The right-back has had several offers from West Ham in an attempt to keep him on staff; it is said that new manager Julen Lopetegui is eager to keep him.
There will probably already be offers from other parties to take into consideration, despite recent claims claiming the Premier League club has put up a massive five-year deal in a desperate attempt to keep Johnson from leaving for free. Numerous Premier League and European clubs have reportedly met with the defender’s representatives, according to Sky Sports.
That would initially seem to put Leeds towards the back of the queue for Johnson, given the obvious financial gap between them and top-tier clubs, but the report goes on to add that money will play no part in the full-backs thinking as he considers all options. Instead, a guarantee of regular football will prove the deciding factor.
That will likely lead Johnson to move on from West Ham, given he enjoyed just four Premier League starts at West Ham last season under David Moyes, but could also present a boost to the likes of Leeds when competing with financially superior alternatives. Crystal Palace and Rangers are both thought to be eyeing a move – the latter has reportedly held talks already – but have first-choice right-backs already on board, in Daniel Munoz and James Tavernier respectively.
Leeds were interested in signing Johnson in January and whether they will return this summer remains to be seen, but Daniel Farke currently has just Sam Byram as a natural option at right-back, with that area of the pitch thought to be a key priority this summer. Archie Gray spent much of last season filling in with commendable ease, but if the 18-year-old is to stay at Elland Road then a move into his more natural central midfield role is expected.
Connor Roberts has also returned to parent club Burnley, following the conclusion of his half-season loan spell, and although Leeds are thought to be keen on a return it is unclear whether Burnley would be willing to do business with a direct Championship promotion rival. Luke Ayling has also been released as a free agent and since signed a two-year contract at Middlesbrough.
Byram played more games than many expected during his first season back at Leeds, following a successful pre-season in which he proved his fitness to Farke, and activated a one-year extension on his contract after reaching a certain number of appearances. But fitness issues did affect the 30-year-old and there can be no expectation of a similar level of availability between now and May 2025.
To pick up someone like Johnson for free would represent a great piece of business for Leeds, who need to strengthen this summer but have little financial room to do so. Chairman Paraag Marathe has already admitted that one or two key sales will likely go ahead, while recruitment will have to be shrewd.
