Reliable West Ham insider EXWHUEmployee has revealed that young defender Ben Johnson will be handed a new contract.
During The West Ham Way podcast on Phoenix FM, EXWHUEmployee told fans that Johnson was set to be given a new deal.
Johnson recently made his West Ham first-team debut and is highly regarded by the club. The Hammers are hoping to tie him down to a new contract soon.
Ben Johnson at West Ham
Johnson joined West Ham at the age of seven and has since progressed through the ranks, right up to the senior squad.
Initially a winger, the teenager has been converted into a right-back and he has been the academy’s first-choice for a while now.
In January 2018, Johnson signed his first professional deal which was a testament to his hard work and good performances for the youth sides.
Up until the end of February, the 19-year-old’s only senior experience came in the EFL Trophy.
But Johnson fulfilled a boyhood dream last Wednesday when he was selected in West Ham’s starting line-up to face Manchester City at The Etihad Stadium.
Injuries to Aaron Cresswell and Arthur Masuaku suddenly thrust Johnson into the limelight as Manuel Pellegrini selected him as the starting left-back.
Johnson held his own for most of the game but was withdrawn with a minor calf injury midway through the second half.
The teenager has since returned to action for the under-23 squad but will be hoping to add more first-team games soon, especially if he signs his new deal.