Fulham ‘Interested’ in Signing 24-year-old Ipswich Town Defender – Report | OneFootball

Fulham Eye Ipswich’s Ben Johnson in Right-Back Revamp

Fulham are casting their net wide in search of defensive reinforcements, with Ipswich Town’s Ben Johnson the latest name linked in what’s becoming a quietly ambitious recruitment push at Craven Cottage.

According to Sky Sports News‘ Dharmesh Sheth, Fulham are monitoring Johnson’s situation closely as they assess right-back options ahead of the summer window. The 24-year-old is reportedly one of “a number of right-backs Fulham are looking at,” as the club gears up for a potential squad reshuffle.

This news follows an earlier report that talks will be opened with the representatives of Kyle Walker-Peters, whose contract at Southampton is due to expire. However, Johnson’s profile – younger, under contract, and on the rise – offers an intriguing alternative for Marco Silva’s side.

Johnson Integral to Ipswich’s Plans

Any move for Johnson won’t be straightforward. Ipswich, newly promoted to the Premier League under Kieran McKenna, have no intention of offloading one of their key assets.

As Sky Sports News highlighted, “Johnson has three years left on his contract. There is no relegation clause, and he is understood to be a key part of Kieran McKenna’s plans next season.” That alone makes any potential negotiation a complex prospect, likely to involve a significant transfer fee.

The report suggests that while Fulham are interested, they are approaching the deal with caution. Given Johnson’s importance to McKenna’s high-tempo, possession-focused system, it would take a compelling offer to prise him away from Portman Road.

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Fulham’s Right-Back Dilemma

Fulham’s interest in both Johnson and Walker-Peters underlines a clear strategy: bolster a right flank that has often relied on the ageing Kenny Tete and a rotating cast of backups. Injuries and inconsistency have plagued that position all season.

With Walker-Peters available for free (subject to wages and signing bonuses), Fulham’s pursuit of Johnson may seem surprising. However, the club’s recruitment under Silva has often prioritised long-term development alongside Premier League experience. Johnson fits the mould of a player who could be developed further – with sell-on value to match.

Moreover, at 24, he still has his best years ahead of him, and if Fulham can offer regular football in a stable system, there is a case to be made that he could be tempted by the switch – particularly if Ipswich struggle early on in their Premier League campaign.

What Johnson Would Bring to Craven Cottage

A product of West Ham’s academy before his move to Ipswich, Johnson is no stranger to top-flight expectations. He has matured into a composed, energetic defender capable of operating on either side of the back line, though his strength lies in his natural right-back position.

His positional awareness, tackling tenacity, and engine make him a standout performer. If Fulham are looking for a modern full-back who can overlap, recover quickly, and hold his line under pressure, Johnson ticks most boxes.

More importantly, he would suit Marco Silva’s blueprint. With Fulham’s high-pressing approach requiring athletic, smart full-backs, Johnson’s profile aligns well.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Fulham supporter’s perspective, this feels like a clever, forward-thinking move. While big-name targets like Kyle Walker-Peters attract attention due to Premier League experience, Ben Johnson represents a more sustainable, high-upside play.

There’s an undeniable excitement in targeting a player like Johnson – someone not yet fully established in the Premier League but brimming with potential. It’s reminiscent of Fulham’s past successes in identifying young talent before their breakout years.

That said, Ipswich’s stance is understandably firm. They’ve just returned to the Premier League and need players like Johnson to consolidate their status. Any attempt to land him would require serious intent – both in terms of finances and long-term vision.

If Fulham can convince Johnson that Craven Cottage offers better development opportunities and a more established setup, they could steal a march on their mid-table rivals. For supporters, it’s refreshing to see the club targeting ambitious, data-backed transfers that go beyond short-term fixes.

As ever, execution is key. If Fulham move quickly and decisively, this could be a real statement of their evolving recruitment strategy.