Ben Johnson has signed a deal with Ipswich Town after completing his medical. He is joining the club from West Ham. Johnson joins Ipswich Town as their second signing, following Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea.
West Ham icon Carlton Cole regrets Ben Johnson’s departure from the club, but believes he would be an excellent addition to Ipswich Town.
Johnson, a 24-year-old versatile defender, will depart West Ham this summer, the club said today. He declined a new five-year contract earlier this month.
Town are in advanced talks to sign him as a free agent after his contract expires today, despite interest from other clubs.
Cole, who spent nine years at the Hammers, expressed sadness at Johnson’s departure. Johnson was a product of the club’s youth and has played over 100 professional appearances.
He continued, “Ben Johnson is from the youth team, a terrific academy product, but he probably believes he hasn’t been adequately valued.
“If a player begins to feel this way, it’s a dead end relationship.
“I think at the same time, when you look at what he’s achieved and the fact he can play in different positions – like in midfield as we found out last season – it just shows he is a very handy player.”
Cole praised Johnson, a right back, saying: “I believe Ipswich have
“He’s a great player who can play on the right, can play in central midfield, and he can go forward as well.
“He is an England Under-21 international so he’s progressed really well and I just feel a bit hurt that he’s about to depart the club because he’s a great lad.”
Cole also discussed ex-Town star Flynn Downes, who spent last season on loan at Southampton from the Hammers.
The Saints, who also secured promotion to the Premier League, are said to be trying to sign him permanently – although Town have also been linked to a move to bring the £15m-rated midfielder back to Suffolk.
But Cole said he hopes Downes stays at the London Stadium.
“Flynn is a massive West Ham fan first and foremost so it really depends what he wants to do,” he explained.
“I believe that after you’ve gone on loan and done well by playing week in and week out and being an important player, as Flynn has done at Southampton, you deserve another chance to demonstrate what you can do.
“However, will he get the game time he deserves at West Ham by returning? It truly depends on what talk he has with (Julen) Lopetegui, and then he’ll make that decision.
“I would love to have him back at West Ham. He has demonstrated his ability to play at a high level, and he has gained valuable experience via frequent football play.
“If he wants to stay at the club, we will all back him, and we
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