Southampton remain keen to sign West Ham defender Ben Johnson, according to journalist Darren Witcooop.
The Saints were interested in signing the 23-year-old versatile defender during the summer window, but the deal didn’t materialize. However, they could be looking to attempt to sign him again in January.
The Sunday Mirror journalist says that Johnson could be on the move next month. Southampton are looking to cut short the loan deal for Mason Holgate as he is set to return to Everton in January.
The Championship club see Johnson as a replacement for Holgate. He provides versatility across the back line.
Southampton remain keen on West Ham defender Ben Johnson. With Saints ready to cut short Mason Holgate’s loan spell, Johnson could be on the move next month. Johnson, who offerers versatility across the back line, was on Saints’ radar in summer #soton #WestHam #Southampton
— Darren Witcoop (@DarrenOWitcoop) December 14, 2023
Makes sense
Johnson has come through the youth academy at the club and has made move 85 appearances in all competitions. He was a regular for the side for the past three seasons, but has now lost the place in the starting line-up.
This season, he is yet to make an appearance in the Premier League. He has managed only starts in cup games thus far, and it’s clear that he is not in David Moyes’s first-team plans at the moment.
Johnson is a versatile defender who can play as a centre-back as well as a right-back. In 2021-22, he made 34 appearances for the club in all competitions. It makes sense for him to move elsewhere and play regularly.
Southampton are aiming to get back to the Premier League once again, and they are fourth in the table at the moment. Leicester City and Ipswich Town are leading the table at the moment, followed by Leeds United and Southampton.
Johnson will be a good addition for the Saints, and Moyes probably won’t block the move if an offer arrives for him in January.
