Rangers are reportedly interested in signing West Ham United defender Ben Johnson with just two weeks of the transfer window to go.
Rangers supporters were looking for plenty of business in this January transfer window, but only one signing has arrived so far.
We are still seeing plenty of names being linked with Rangers though, and a surprise name emerged from the English media on Monday.
Reports suggested that Rangers have joined Leeds United and Sheffield United in the race to sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.
The 23-year-old is out of contract in the summer and has so far resisted offers to stay at the London Stadium.
Rangers could pounce for Johnson, so let’s take a look into his career to date…
Ben Johnson, the story so far
Johnson hails from Waltham Forest and joined West Ham at the age of just seven and started his career as a winger.
Johnson eventually converted to play as a full back and rose up through the Hammers ranks, making his Premier League debut in February 2019.
Now with 57 Premier League games under his belt, Johnson hasn’t quite managed to nail down a first-team spot at the London Stadium.
Capable of playing at right back, centre back and left back, Johnson has filled in across the back four during his time with West Ham.
Johnson is the second cousin of two former England internationals – ex Manchester United ace Paul Parker and Tottenham hero Ledley King.
Johnson was a regular for the England Under-21’s but hasn’t yet followed the family tradition of playing for the senior side.
Ben Johnson player profile
- Age: 23
- Date of birth: 24/01/2000
- Position: Right back
- Club: West Ham United
- Nationality: English
- Contract: Until June 2024
Ben Johnson, what they say
“It’s been very good, I’m really pleased for Ben. He’s a bit of utility player for us, he’s been here for a while. He’s a really important player for us. In the squad and the group he’s really important,” – West Ham United boss David Moyes.
“The most important thing about Ben is whenever you pass him or meet him first thing in the morning, he’s got a smile on his face. He takes in all the knowledge you can pass on to him. He’s a wonderful professional to deal with and work with,” – former West Ham coach Stuart Pearce.
“What I do like about Ben is that he is a footballer, first and foremost, which means he is able to play in different positions. Ben’s versatile, good with both feet, has good balance and he’s a good size. In the modern game, especially in a back three, he could be one of the centre-backs. There’s probably fewer aerial duels now than there was 15-20 years ago, you don’t have to be quite as big and physical so he can definitely do that,” – second cousin and former England ace Ledley King.
Ben Johnson to Rangers analysis
We love Johnson’s versatility and can almost always get on board with targeting Under-25 players with expiring contracts.
That is how Rangers signed Nicolas Raskin and Todd Cantwell last year and we feel that Rangers can add value and resale potential with this strategy.
Johnson has shown enough quality in the Premier League to suggest that he could fit a similar mould but this rumour seems a little surprising.
Johnson predominantly plays as a right back and Rangers already have a star player in that position with James Tavernier still going strong.
The focus for Johnson simply has to be first-team football when he leaves West Ham and, unless Rangers plan to play him elsewhere, we feel that Johnson would be an unlikely addition.
