Ben Johnson is perfect signing as Leeds United look to seal new transfer
Leeds United will face a lot of competition this summer as they target a move for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson, Paul Robinson has said.
According to The Athletic [15 May], the 24-year-old has turned down a new four-year deal at the London Stadium and Leeds are eyeing the defender on a free transfer.
The Whites will be hoping to bounce straight back up to the Premier League, facing Southampton in the Championship play-off final, which could tempt Johnson to an Elland Road move this summer.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson believes it would be a smart move to sign the West Ham full-back but suggests Leeds will face a lot of competition, especially if promotion is not secured.
“I think they’ll face competition, honestly. He hasn’t featured regularly for West Ham this season, not playing as much as he wants to, but he’s versatile,” he said. “The big thing for Ben Johnson is that he can play anywhere across the backline.
“He can even play as a holding midfielder. That versatility will see him have a few suitors. I think he would fit into this Leeds side, regardless of what league they’re in. But I think they’ll face competition. If they’re in the Championship, I don’t think he’s a player that Leeds would have an opportunity to bring in.
“But with a player like that… You’ve seen Daniel Farke drop Ethan Ampadu back alongside Joe Rodon. Pascal Struijk has been excellent this season but there are questions over Liam Cooper’s future.
“The defence is going to be an area that is being looked at this summer, and Johnson would fit that bill. Archie Gray has been playing right-back, having been made into one, but he’s a holding midfielder or even an attacking one.
“Both full-back areas and centre-half will be where Leeds are looking to recruit and a player like Johnson, if they’re in the Premier League next season, that’ll be the type of target they’re after.”
Leeds United set to target Ben Johnson on free transfer
Given Leeds’ lack of options at full-back, especially with Gray being used out of position this season, Johnson seems like the perfect signing to help solve some issues at Elland Road.
The 24-year-old has over a century of appearances for the Hammers and is capable of deputising in several positions, which would suggest he is a suitable fit for Farke’s squad.
The German has been known to play members of his squad out of position, and Johnson would not be against that, having played across the backline and even as a winger this season.
In other Leeds United news, David Prutton has made a new promotion admission over Elland Road ahead of the clash with Southampton
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