Leeds United strongly considered a move to sign West Ham United star Ben Johnson in January but the Hammers convinced him to stay put – and David Moyes was full of praise for him on Sunday.
Johnson, 24, was was one of the names that kept cropping up on the Leeds radar during January. It comes with Johnson struggling to play during the first half of the season – and his deal ending in June.
Reports claimed that Leeds and Millwall had both entered talks to sign Johnson this month, after he had rejected two new contract offers. Johnson is said to have turned down the offers due to his game time.
Since the links with Leeds, Johnson has started three of West Ham’s last four Premier League games. He came on as a sub for 20 minutes in the other, after playing just once prior to the last four matches.
Speaking after Manchester United’s 3-0 win over his West Ham side on Sunday, manager Moyes was full of praise for Johnson – saying he is a “hybrid” player and that he is impressing in claret and blue.
“He’s turning into a little bit of a hybrid player for us; one who can do different roles. It might not be the solution to the problem long-term, but I have to give him credit for how he played. He did well,” he said.
“As we hoped he would. We were wary of Marcus Rashford and his ability to get forward, and Luke Shaw at left-back, but I thought Ben did a really good job for us,” Moyes added, on West Ham’s official site.
David Moyes impressed by Leeds United target Ben Johnson
Johnson would have been a superb signing. A player that can play on most positions. Both sides of the defence and clearly, as a hybrid midfielder or even out wide. He is a bit like a young Stuart Dallas, then.
With his contract still up for debate come the summer, perhaps he remains on the Leeds radar until his boyhood club manage to strike a more long-term agreement. Johnson would still be a good addition.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
