Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Ben Johnson has rejected a new deal at West Ham due to advisers telling him not to commit to the long-term future.
Johnson made his Premier League debut in the 2018/19 Premier League campaign but has established himself this season after he has made 13 first-team appearances in the league.
The 22-year-old full-back has shown his versatility this season for the Hammers as he has featured on both the left and right side of the back four, as per WhoScored.
West Ham reportedly offered the youngster a new deal, but Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that at this stage, the people around him may not have seen it as “a great idea”.
Jones said: “I’m not sure that the people around the player saw it as a great idea to sign such a long contract at this stage. I think that’s the sticking point here.”
TIF Thoughts on Ben Johnson and the decision to not sign an extension…
Johnson has been superb when he has featured for the Hammers this season. He received an abundance of praise from former West Ham defender Stuart Pearce, who said: “I think he’s just developing and getting better and better, and like with all young players, the more game time they have, the better they’ll get, so I am delighted for the boy.” (BBC Sport)
In his first six starts for West Ham this season, he helped his side complete six clean sheets, while he has caught the attention of Premier League clubs such as Arsenal and Liverpool.
Not signing a new deal with the Hammers could be a smart move, because, despite his impressive form, he has been an unused sub five times since the turn of the year, so maybe a move away from West Ham could be an option for him if he isn’t getting regular game time under Moyes.