Ben Johnson is a defender for West Ham United, and it will be difficult for Leeds United to sign him this summer because other Premier League teams are reportedly also interested in him.

Since Johnson’s contract with the Hammers is about to expire at the end of this month, the Whites have been keeping a close eye on his circumstances at the London Stadium. Even though this deal never materialised, it was made clear during the January transfer window that Leeds was eager to get the fullback to Elland Road before the market crashed at the start of February.

Though The Athletic recently revealed that West Ham has offered the 24-year-old a new and improved five-year contract as newly appointed head coach Julen Lopetegui is keen to keep hold of him, Johnson is still expected to leave the East London club on Sunday when he becomes a free agent. The former England U21 international has not, however, accepted a new contract as of yet.

Leeds United is looking to sign Johnson to bolster Daniel Farke’s fullback positions after losing stalwart Luke Ayling to fellow Championship side Middlesbrough on a free transfer and after the Premier League expressed interest in rising star Archie Grey. However, the Englishman, who has a market value of £4.2 million, is up against competition from teams in the top flight.

According to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, newly promoted Premier League team Ipswich Town has entered the competition to sign the out-of-contract defender this summer. Kieran McKenna is eager to add players with experience in the top division of English football to his squad in preparation for the 2024–2025 campaign.

Author’s Perspective

Under Lopetegui, Vladimir Coufal will probably remain West Ham United’s first-choice right-back. Johnson’s decision about his future should be based on where he would most likely see regular playing time, something the Hammers are unlikely to provide.

Though he is in a stronger division, one could easily argue that Grey has a better chance of playing with the Tractor Boys than the Whites, especially if he stays with the team before the following season begins. Still, both Leeds United and Ipswich are intriguing potential.

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