Palace set to snap up Hammer for free
It seems Crystal Palace is the front-runner to snag West Ham United defender Ben Johnson this summer, with the Eagles promising full support to their new head coach, Oliver Glasner.
Glasner, who boasts experience from securing a Europa League trophy with Eintracht Frankfurt, brings a wealth of coaching know-how to the table. Having taken over the reins from Roy Hodgson just last month, his arrival has stirred up quite a buzz, and Palace is ready to invest financially in the upcoming transfer window.
As for West Ham’s defender, Ben Johnson, he finds himself without a contract come summer, and word has it that Crystal Palace is deep in talks to secure his signature on a Bosman deal. Reports suggest that negotiations are in an “advanced” stage.
According to Ex WHU Employee on the West Ham Way podcast: “He’s been linked to an exit, and Crystal Palace seems to be leading the way. However, Ledley King, who is related to Johnson, is trying to work out a move to Spurs.
“At this point, it seems like there’s a pretty advanced agreement between the player and the south London club, which could unfortunately see Johnson heading south of the river this summer after 17 years at West Ham.”
It’s a disappointing move from West Ham, who could have easily locked Johnson into a long-term contract. Reportedly, the player asked for wages of £50,000 per week, which would have placed him at the lower end of the Hammers’ pay scale.
With West Ham bracing to lose several homegrown players next season, retaining Academy graduate Johnson would have been a wise move. It’s hard not to wonder if West Ham will come to regret this decision.
