Ipswich Town are set to complete the signing of a defender that Leeds United wanted at Elland Road, after a big development on Sunday afternoon.
The 49ers and Leeds’ transfer department have been working on exits so far this summer. Victor Orta’s loan army was first to be sorted, with Jack Harrison returning to Everton and Marc Roca joining Betis.
Diego Llorente looks set to join Roca at the La Liga side. Max Wober remains at Euro 2024 while Rasmus Kristensen’s Denmark have just been knocked out, and then there is the imminent exit of Archie Gray.
Fabrizio Romano says a move to Tottenham is close with a possible medical today. Charlie Cresswell is set to join French side Toulouse, while Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton are now technically free agents.
In terms of incoming, there has not been much movement other than initial interest and that could perhaps be the reason why Leeds are set to miss out on a defender they wanted atElland Road:
Ipswich strike as Leeds miss out on free agent signing
That focus on getting players out the door to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules may have seen Leeds take their eye of potential arrivals. Ipswich have struck a deal to sign a player linked with Leeds.
It comes after a development on Sunday regarding the future of “wonderful” defender Ben Johnson. West Ham confirmed that the 24-year-old would not be signing a new contract at the London Stadium.
Leeds have been strongly linked with a move for the versatile defender but Romano delivered an update on Monday morning, stating that a move that takes Johnson to Ipswich is now “signed and sealed”.
“Ben Johnson to Ipswich, deal signed and sealed after medical completed. He’s joining the club from West Ham. Johnson will be unveiled as Ipswich player, second signing after Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea.”
Johnson would have been an incredibly smart signing at Leeds
There are a number of reasons why Johnson would have been a really good signing for Leeds. Firstly, the Whites need cover at right-back desperately especially with Gray edging closer to a move to London.
At left-back, back-up for Junior Firpo is needed and Johnson can do that. He can even play in midfield and has done for West Ham in the last few months, and again Leeds are lacking in cover in that area.
With Leeds needing to make a big profit in terms of player sales this summer, Johnson on a free would have solved a number of issues in terms of cover but also, a top player on a free.