Ipswich Town are in advanced talks to sign West Ham defender Ben Johnson, according to Sky Sports.
The UK broadcasting giant reported on their transfer live blog (25 June, 11.16 am) that the newly promoted Premier League club want to sign the 24-year-old West Ham defender on a free transfer.
The homegrown West Ham academy product was recently offered a fresh five-year deal, and he wanted to assess all his options before making a final decision.
The Hammers defender has now decided to leave London Stadium and join Ipswich Town, with career development as his primary motivation.
Ipswich are in “advanced talks” with Johnson’s representatives, and they are expected to sign him shortly.
West Ham need major rebuilding at the back
After progressing through the youth ranks at the club, Johnson made his Premier League debut for West Ham in 2019.
Gradually, he became a key player under David Moyes. Since 2020-21, he established himself as a regular member of the side, and his versatility has proved to be an asset for the club.
However, in the past couple of years, Johnson gradually lost his position in the side with West Ham heavily relying on Vladimir Coufal in right-back areas.
The defender was linked with a move away from London in the January window, but Moyes blocked the move as he felt it would weaken the squad.
However, he has now decided to move on and play elsewhere. The Hammers already need to buy at least two quality centre-backs this summer, and they will have to sign a new right-back as well to replace Johnson.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are expected to make another bid for 27-year-old defender.
