Some West Ham fans may be upset at losing Ben Johnson to Ipswich this summer.
The Hammers offered their academy graduate a new contract in a bid to keep him at the London Stadium, although the 24-year-old rejected it in favour of moving to Portman Road.
While that might have suggested that Ben Johnson had fallen out of love with West Ham, supporters may think again after seeing what he took to his first training session at Ipswich…
What Ben Johnson took to Ipswich training after leaving West Ham
The man from Waltham Forest was seen arriving at Playford Road carrying a bag commemorating West Ham’s 2023 UEFA Conference League win.
You can see a photo of Johnson holding the bag below.
It was the first trophy Johnson had won in his club career – and remains his only silverware at club level – so you can understand why he wants to carry a memory of the occasion around.
The Londoner played all 180 minutes across two legs to help West Ham qualify for the UEFA Conference League in the first place, before making six appearances in the competition to fire the Irons to a first ever European trophy.
Tim Steidten already looking for replacements
As aforesaid, West Ham wanted to keep Johnson, so Tim Steidten – Director of Football at the London Stadium – is now working hard to find a replacement.
A story from The Times states that West Ham are now reviving their interest in Manchester United No.29 Aaron Wan-Bissaka after hearing that the Englishman is up for sale.
Like Johnson, the Crystal Palace academy graduate can play as a right-back or as a central defender, so stylistically, he would be a perfect replacement.
If that deal fails to materialise, there is also interest in another Crystal Palace academy graduate, Jake O’Brien, who mainly plays as a centre-back, but is capable on the right as well.
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Be sure to keep an eye on developments at West Ham, as Steidten attempts to replace Johnson.
