Leeds United transfer news as new update emerges in summer push for Ben Johnson
West Ham United defender Ben Johnson’s wages could be a “stumbling block” as Leeds United look to secure a summer transfer, according to Leeds Live.
The outlet reported on its website on Sunday (2 June) that while 49ers Enterprises would likely be keen to secure the 24-year-old on a free transfer this summer, his wage demands could put an end to a potential move.
Johnson is understood to be a target for Daniel Farke’s side this summer, with reports suggesting he has rejected a new deal at the London Stadium amid interest from Crystal Palace, the Whites and Scottish giants Rangers [The Athletic, 15 May].
Will Leeds United sign Ben Johnson during the summer transfer window at Elland Road?
Leeds United are going to have to be clever in the transfer market this summer as their budget will have taken a massive hit after missing out on promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
That means the 49ers and Farke will likely be looking towards the free-agent market over the next couple of weeks to try and find one or two bargains and if Johnson does leave West Ham, he would definitely fall into that category.
However, he is a Premier League player and that means that he will be paid Premier League wages. Leeds won’t be offering that sort of money to the defender this summer and that could see him decide to move elsewhere.
Maybe the Whites will be able to stretch their budget a little bit further because of the fact they won’t have to fork out a transfer fee for Johnson, but it remains to be seen whether or not they can beat the other interested clubs to his signature.
Hopefully, Leeds will somehow get this deal over the line and dodge whatever stumbling blocks could emerge in their path.
In other Leeds United news, Red Bull has handed Paraag Marathe a “vote of confidence” according to football finance expert Kieran Maguire
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