West Ham United must tie Ben Johnson down to a new contract, according to former Premier League footballer Paul Robinson.
Johnson has become a key part of David Moyes’ plans since his Premier League debut in 2019 against Manchester City, as he’s since gone on to make 45 top-flight appearances, including seven this campaign.
The 22-year-old is another product of the Irons’ successful academy and is a hugely versatile option, with him being deployed across the backline and on either wing during his time in east London.
However, the club are yet to find an agreement with Johnson’s representatives over a new contract, with Claret and Hugh reporting that talks had broken down in November.
With his current £33k-per-week deal (as per Salary Sport) expiring in 2024, Sky Sports pundit Robinson told Football Insider an extension has to become a priority.
He said: “They will be desperate to keep a hold of him, especially given that [Craig] Dawson will likely be leaving in January.
“West Ham have a good squad of players and Johnson is a key part of that. His versatility is an asset and David Moyes will know that.”
TIF Thoughts on Robinson’s comments…
Johnson’s emergence in east London has come at a time that Moyes’ side have enjoyed one of the most successful periods in West Ham’s history, with their sixth-place finish in the 2020/21 season their highest finish since the turn of the millennium.
The four-time England U21 international, not only plays a key role now for the Irons, but at 22 years old, he’s also the youngest defender in West Ham’s first team by some distance.
With seasoned veterans Aaron Cresswell, Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna all comfortably over 30, Johnson’s prevalence in the first-team would only grow if he stuck around.
Talented homegrown players don’t come around often, even for West Ham, so we think they need to act fast on Johnson’s contract or risk being backed into a corner should the defender’s rise continue.