Ben Johnson has agreed to a £60,000 per-week contract with Ipswich Town and will leave West Ham United when his contract expires, reports The Times.
According to their website (26 June), the versatile defender has signed a four-year deal with Ipswich Town and will depart from the Hammers next week.
West Ham offered Johnson a new five-year deal, but he declined in search of more regular playing time, with Julen Lopetegui considering Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a potential replacement.
The long-standing transfer saga involving Johnson is finally concluding with his move to the newly promoted Tractor Boys.
Lopetegui had wanted to retain the former England youth international for his ability to play across the defense and in midfield, but Johnson had decided to leave long ago.
The primary reason for his departure is the promise of regular football, but he also felt undervalued by West Ham’s board. The club’s wage offer fell short of his expectations.
A £60,000 per-week salary places Johnson among Ipswich’s top earners, reflecting his experience and value to the squad, a figure that West Ham was not prepared to match.
Although it’s disappointing to see an academy talent leave, fans may be less disheartened if a suitable replacement is secured before the Premier League season begins.
