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’s future at the London Stadium has not become any clearer, forcing West Ham to get ahead of the curve and plan for his exit.
According to The Athletic [11 June], the Hammers have offered the 24-year-old a last-ditch five-year contract in an attempt to keep him at the club, but the player has still not budged.
Multiple teams are keeping tabs on the situation, with Galatasaray the latest team in Europe linked with a move for Johnson, joining Rangers, Crystal Palace and Tottenham on the list.
The young full-back’s versatility could be hugely important as Julen Lopetegui attempts to rebuild at the London Stadium, though it appears the club must prepare for life without him.
The London side have been linked with a move for Al-Hilah’s Saud Abdulhamid, who is also gaining interest from Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest and Nice [Will Unwin].
It is understood that any deal would cost £3million this summer, with Toulouse already said to have put an offer on the table for the 24-year-old full-back.
West Ham United already planning for life after Ben Johnson
With over a century of appearances for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League, and establishing himself as a regular in the Saudi Arabia national team, Abdulhamid is extremely experienced.
Even though Johnson failed to make many appearances under David Moyes last season, his versatility makes him an extremely useful squad player and would likely be utilised by Lopetegui.
The 24-year-old is bound to leave big shoes to fill as a capable back-up, though fans will be glad that the club are already targeting a possible replacement before they are left in the dark by Johnson.
He used to be respected at the London Stadium, but as his contract saga drags on, it is bound to end on a sour note.
