Ben Johnson, a free agent who previously played right defender for West Ham United, has officially signed a four-year contract with Town.
The move is said to have been completed midway through last week, ahead of the expiration of his Hammers contract, so the news is hardly shocking.
Yesterday, the East Londoners announced his departure after 17 years, as the 24-year-old declined a new five-year contract at the London Stadium.
According to Town manager Kieran McKenna, Ben “fits the profile we like to bring to the club.” This was stated on the official website.
He is a youthful, gifted defender with outstanding physical qualities in addition to good technical ability.
Ben is eager to advance in his career and has a respectable amount of Premier League experience for his age.
“We think he is a great addition to the club and that this is a wise decision for him.
We’re confident he will blend in with the dressing room, our surroundings, and our culture because everyone who has worked with him speaks highly of his character.
The Waltham Forest-born and Chigwell-raised full-back joined the club at the age of seven, and after going through the academy system at West Ham, where he worked with old Town youth coaches Terry Westley and Liam Manning, he made 70 professional starts and 39 substitute appearances, scoring twice.
His uncle is Paul Parker, a former England international who is also a full-back; his cousin is Ledley King.
In recent weeks, Johnson had been linked to a number of other teams, including Everton, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Rangers, Leeds, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Preseason training is underway ahead of the Blues’ first Premier League season in 22 years, and today Johnson is working out with his new colleagues, including fellow new addition Omari Hutchinson.
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