PL club prepare frantic big-money offer to fend off Leeds United interest in free agent – The Athletic
Leeds United’s Pursuit of Ben Johnson Heats Up as West Ham Offers Big-Money DealLeeds United are one of several clubs interested in signing West Ham full-back Ben Johnson on a free transfer, but the Irons are trying to fend off the competition with a new-and-improved contract offer. According to The Athletic, Johnson is considering his options after rejecting previous offers from West Ham, and Leeds are keen to snap him up.
Johnson, 24, has been a target for Leeds since the January window, but they ultimately signed Connor Roberts from Burnley instead. However, with Johnson’s contract expiring this summer, Leeds are eager to bring him to Elland Road. Crystal Palace and Rangers are also interested in the defender, but Leeds may have the upper hand due to their ability to offer him a starting spot.West Ham, however, are desperate to keep Johnson and have offered him a five-year deal worth a significant amount of money.
The sticking point for Johnson is assurances over playing time, which he may not get at West Ham due to the presence of other options on both sides of the back four. Leeds, on the other hand, can offer him a guaranteed starting spot, which could be a major draw for the young defender.
If Leeds manage to sign Johnson, it would be a huge coup for the club. Johnson is a talented player who would walk into the starting lineup at Leeds and potentially become their best full-back. His signing would also be a significant boost to the squad as they look to improve on last season’s 90-point total, which was not enough to secure promotion to the Premier League.Leeds United season ticket holder Kris Smith believes that Johnson would be a great addition to the squad, saying, “Johnson would be a huge coup for free if Leeds manage it.
Assurances over playing time are only going to come at Leeds really, given that West Ham have options they prefer over him.”Smith also notes that Leeds need to strengthen their squad in various positions, including full-back, if they want to achieve promotion next season. “Leeds are going to have to go one better next season after their 90-point total came up short last term in the Championship. To do that, the squad is going to have to be more balanced with investment in various positions surely required, including at full-back.”Overall, the race to sign Ben Johnson is heating up, and it remains to be seen whether Leeds United can fend off the competition and secure his signature.
One thing is certain, however: Johnson would be a fantastic addition to the Leeds squad, and his signing would be a significant boost to their promotion hopes.