West Ham have triggered a two-year extension in Ben Johnson’s contract, according to reports in England.
The 22-year-old’s current deal was set to expire in the summer, with the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool all looking at signing him on a free.
However, Johnson will now be tied down until 2024, but fans on Twitter are surprised that the Hammers have not been able to agree new terms with the player:
Possibly explains why Moyes has relegated him to 3rd choice RB,refusing to sign a long term deal
— roger (@rogerc32) February 23, 2022
Really? Those clubs have been looking at him….mmmm 🤔
— Mike (@wonderland4488) February 23, 2022
He should be our 1st choice RB, coufal is in decline and Fredericks isnt good enough
— @marksearle#GSBOUT (@marksearle87) February 23, 2022
As long as he doesn’t go to a london club and we go 30mil+ I’ll be happy
— #GSBOUT George⚒ (@gclaydon01) February 23, 2022
Need to play him regularly
— Benham (@Nathan37439978) February 23, 2022
Learning from the N’Gakia saga
— Gary (@galboy147) February 23, 2022
Johnson Is a good prospect but realistically I doubt any of those teams would consider him a real transfer option
— Brooksy (@hammerstone89) February 23, 2022
While triggering the extension does protect Johnson’s value, it is slightly worrying that talks over a salary rise haven’t led to a successful outcome.
As some fans have pointed out, it will at least help to avoid a situation similar to the one that led to Jeremy Ngakia leaving but it will be interesting to see where he features in David Moyes’ plans going forward.
Neither Vladimir Coufal nor Ryan Fredericks have been at their best recently but Johnson has only played 45 minutes in the Premier League since New Year’s Day.