LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ben Johnson, a defender headed for departure from West Ham United, has come under fire from Frank McAvennie for “smiling too much” and for asking the team to “get people that want to defend” this summer.
When Johnson’s contract expires and no renewal is agreed upon, it appears that he will leave the Hammers on a free contract.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie feels that the team has to invest more capital in better defenders.
“[David Sullivan needs to spend money.””Let’s go grab some quality players,” he said. “Get yourself a pair of excellent center halves.
Johnson didn’t sit right with me at all as a full-back. He smiles too much in my opinion. When he misses a target, he smiles at me and I instruct him to retrieve the ball. I think he’s just content to occasionally be outside.
“I like [Vladimir] Coufal; he’s not bad.” He detests being hit. It seems that the new management approves of [Aaron] Cresswell. But I think they should get a complete back four.
Simply go find those who are interested in winning the ball. All we need are the forwards and midfielders we currently have. Gather those who are willing to defend, pass it to a player, and move on. Get four guys who want to defend, first and foremost.
“A centre-half that doesn’t want to head the ball just baffles me. I’m just thinking, ‘Just go and win it and it takes all that danger away.’
“How much money Mr. Sullivan will provide them is unknown to me. Given that he is only paying £2 million for the stadium and never handed them the Declan Rice money, he must give them something.
To what extent will West Ham United pursue transfers?
The summer ahead for the Hammers will probably witness a significant squad revamp under incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui.
Johnson is among the players whose contracts are about to expire, while Kurt Zouma, the team captain, has a contract that ends at the end of the following campaign.
There should be plenty of activity in both directions from the London Stadium before the 2024/25 campaign kicks off.
