Leeds United backed to sign Ben Johnson from West Ham in January transfer window amid Archie Gray benefit – Sky Sports pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United …
Ben Johnson has the right quality to fit into the Leeds United squad under Daniel Farke and would allow Archie Gray to return to midfield, says Paul Robinson.
The teenage Whites midfielder is now the clear first choice at right-back following the January departures of Djed Spence and Luke Ayling, but has also excelled at his preferred position this season.
The Athletic’s Phil Hay reported on 11 January that Leeds are interested in signing West Ham’s Johnson on loan for the remainder of the season, and Sky Sports pundit Robinson is in support of a move for the 23-year-old.
The defender, who can play on the left or the right, has six months left on his deal and the Hammers would prefer to sell him if they are to let him go now [Square Ball, 19 January].
Robinson would like to see a full-back come in during the January window, and believes that freeing up Gray to feature further forward could also be part of Daniel Farke’s plan.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News he said of Johson: “Listen he’s a good player, yeah I do [think he’d suit Leeds]. Full-back areas is obviously where Leeds would be looking, left-back specifically with Djed Spence going back, the manager’s been open and honest with what he said about Spence.
“I think a player of Johnson’s quality would fit into the Leeds side, whether he’d play left-back or right-back, I think he’s naturally more right-sided, depending on where the manager wants to play him.
“But with Archie Gray playing there and playing so well, we saw him play at Peterborough back in the centre of midfield and I thought he was outstanding, I really did, he controlled the midfield and controlled the game, so maybe it’s in the manager’s thinking that he needs to free him out of that position.
“With Luke Ayling going to Middlesbrough the options at right-back are less and less, and for me, as good as Archie is at right-back, he’s a far better midfielder.
“Look at the impact that he has in those midfield positions, regardless of who’s available and who could play ahead of him, I would play him in there so maybe that’s in the manager’s thinking.”
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay now expects January deals after pair of unexpected developments at Elland Road.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.