A Premier League have confirmed in their retained list published today that they are offering a new contract to a player that Leeds United want to sign on a free transfer.
Leeds are expected to be busy in the transfer market in the coming weeks and months. Mostly, because The 49ers need to sell players in order to reduce the enormous £190m credit card bill they inherited.
But that means the club will have to find replacements for the players they are set to sell, while keeping a profit. Those available on a free transfer, on loan or available on the cheap will be among their targets.
One of those is West Ham defender Ben Johnson, who was the subject of talks back in the January window before Leeds landed Connor Roberts on loan from Burnley, but Roberts has now left Elland Road.
So has Luke Ayling, while Jamie Shackleton and Sam Byram are out of contract and 24-year-old Johnson is being linked again. Now, West Ham themselves have given an update on their “wonderful” defender.
West Ham deliver Ben Johnson update in their retained list
Johnson has struggled for regular game time at The London Stadium in 2023-24 despite the Hammers being in Europe. The England U21 man only managed nine starts, and 24 appearances as a fringe player.
Leeds want to lure him to Elland Road this summer, but his wages could prove to be an issue. His desire to stay in the Premier League may scupper a move and not just for Leeds, but also Scottish side Rangers.
Now, West Ham have published their retained list for the 2024-25 season and they confirm within that, that they are in talks with Johnson over a new contract under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Johnson needs to leave West Ham and bite the bullet
If Johnson is struggling to start games in an inconsistent side that are not blessed with overwhelming quality at full-back, then he has got to leave the Hammers. Reports say he wants a top-tier side.
But ultimately, unless he joins one of the newly-promoted sides, he has not proven himself enough in the Premier League to warrant a move to one of West Ham’s league rivals and that makes Leeds next best.
He needs to admit to himself that if he does remain in the Premier League, game time will remain at a premium. A move to Scotland with Rangers in Europe, or the Championship, makes much more sense.