Ipswich Town have completed the signing of full-back Ben Johnson on a free transfer from West Ham United.
The Athletic reported the 24-year-old had been offered a new and improved five-year deal by West Ham ahead of his contract expiring at the end of June.
However, Johnson turned down multiple contract offers from West Ham, having previously failed to reach an agreement over an extension because he wanted assurances about playing time, and has instead signed for newly-promoted Ipswich. West Ham formally announced his departure on Sunday, June 30.
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“Ben is a player who fits the profile we like to bring to the Club,” Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna said on their new signing.
“He is a young and talented defender with good technical quality, as well as excellent physical attributes.
“Ben also has a good amount of Premier League experience for his age and he is hungry to take the next step in his career. We feel this is a good move for him and he is an excellent addition for the club.
“Everyone who has worked with him speaks highly of his character, so we’re sure he will fit into the dressing room and our environment and culture.”
Johnson progressed through the West Ham youth academy, going on to make 109 appearances for the club since being handed his first-team debut by Manuel Pellegrini in 2019.
He made 14 Premier League appearances during the 2023-24 campaign, deputising for starting right-back Vladimir Coufal.
Johnson was also utilised at left-back, centre-back and in midfield for West Ham.
He is Ipswich’s second signing of the summer as the club prepare for a return to the Premier League for the first time in 22 years following back-to-back promotions. They confirmed the return of Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea on a permanent deal on Sunday.
The Athletic also reported in June Ipswich were engaged in active negotiations with Hull City over the transfer of centre-back Jacob Greaves.
Axel Tuanzebe finished the season as Kieran McKenna’s first-choice right-back and a 12-month contract option was taken up on his deal at the end of the season to extend his stay at the club until 2025. Harry Clarke was also a regular at right-back during both of Ipswich’s promotion-winning campaigns.
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