According to Ben Jacobs, Leeds United still have a few negotiating points to work out before signing West Ham defender Ben Johnson
The CBS Sports journalist told Give Me Sport on Friday (19 January) that the Whites don’t want to wait until the summer to sign the Englishman on a free, but rather bring him in on loan this month.
The Whites may move quickly to convince the Hammers to release him on a permanent basis for a transfer fee. According to Jacobs, Ben Johnson is also on the list. So one of the two options is viable. Again, Ben Johnson hasn’t played that many minutes.
“He’s out of contract this summer. But Leeds, I’m informed, want to move immediately rather than wait until the summer. They would offer Ben Johnson a loan.
“So it’s just about whether or not they can agree terms because West Ham would want a fee, even though the player’s contract is running down”So, if Leeds could sign Johnson for a modest amount or persuade West Ham to waive the money, I believe they would move quickly. But there are a few items that need to be worked out before that one goes through.”
That makes sense.
Leeds returned Djed Spence to Tottenham Hotspur, and Johnson will, in many respects, be identical to that signing.
He’s a right-back by trade, like Spence, but he’s versatile enough to play left-back, as David Moyes has repeatedly demonstrated.
He has also played as a centre-back, so if he joins, Daniel Farke will have the option of playing a back three with him as the right or left defender.
At 23, he is still in the early stages of his career, and even if it is a little fee, Leeds should consider paying it.
Not only will he be the first-choice left-back due to his superior defensive solidity over Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, but Farke may also consider him at right-back.
If Leeds do not sign him now and wait for his contract to expire, the number of clubs looking to recruit him on a free transfer would increase, making it much more difficult to complete this transaction.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay believes that the Whites are really considering accepting reasonable bids for one player, with a new signing on the way.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for immediate updates delivered straight to your phone.
Leave a Comment