West Ham star Ben Johnson could commit the ultimate Spurs sin this summer if a new claim is true and fans won’t be happy.
Academy graduate Ben Johnson looked like he might just be the answer to West Ham’s full-back issues.
But now he could be about to make a decision which will ensure he is disliked by West Ham fans forever.
Because a new report states he is considering joining Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer.
Johnson has struggled to establish himself in the side for any prolonged period.
And he was widely criticised by Hammers supporters for his performances when he did get game time last term.
Johnson has failed to establish himself as a starter
Viewed as nothing more than a utility player at best by most, supporters were shocked when it emerged Johnson had thus far refused to sign a new long-term deal with the the club.
Talks have been off the table ever since The Athletic revealed the academy graduate had snubbed a six-and-a-half-year contract at the club.
Some West Ham supporters could not believe the club were prepared to offer Johnson such a long-term contract given his failure to impress. And they were even more perplexed that he did not sign it.
Well now West Ham star Johnson could commit the ultimate Spurs sin this summer if a new claim is true.
Defender has snubbed multiple long-term West Ham contracts
Johnson has been linked with the likes of Everton, Southampton and Burnley.
In the summer Moyes said he is ‘desperate’ to keep Johnson but admitted he is refusing to sign a new deal.
It was recently revealed earlier this season that contract rebel Johnson wants West Ham to triple his wages to £60k.
Now Football Transfers claims he is ready to rub salt in the wound by not only leaving on a free but joining fierce rivals Tottenham instead.
Johnson is a cousin of Spurs legend Ledley King. The former defender is an ambassador at Tottenham nowadays.
“Tottenham Hotspur have set their sights on West Ham United defender Ben Johnson,” FootballTransfers claims in an exclusive.
“We are told that Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou is seeking to bolster his defensive options this summer, particularly in the full-back positions to provide cover for Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie.”
Johnson would muddy his name with Hammers fans
If Johnson were to leave the club on a free in search of more game time it would be understandable.
But to go to bitter rivals Spurs, where he has even less chance of getting a game given the far superior quality of their full-back options, is just lunacy.
Let’s have it right it would not sting like the loss of Jermain Defoe to Tottenham. But it would muddy Johnson’s name with Hammers fans.
And it would just be a sorry situation for West Ham even if he is not the greatest academy graduate to come through the ranks.
Johnson needs to think long and hard about this. If he joins Spurs it will clearly be for the money because he’s going to play even less.
Either sign a new deal with the Hammers and accept his role as a bit-part utility player.
Or join a different club where he is guaranteed to start every week.
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