Ipswich Town hand Leeds United major setback in West Ham pursuit | OneFootball

Leeds United were among the clubs competing for the signing of Ben Johnson from West Ham

Highlights

Leeds United’s chances of signing Ben Johnson from West Ham have taken a big blow as, according to West Ham Way, Ipswich Town are closing in on the signing of the full-back this summer.

Johnson is set to be available as a free agent from the start of next month, which has opened the door for the Tractor Boys to pursue a move following their promotion to the Premier League.

The 24-year-old struggled for game time with the London outfit, making 14 appearances in the top flight last season, only four of which came as a starter (all stats from Fbref).

The defender came through the ranks of the Hammers’ academy system but is now heading for a move to Portman Road for the 2024/25 campaign.

Leeds miss out on Ben Johnson move

It was reported earlier this summer that Leeds were one of several clubs eyeing a move for Johnson as a free agent.

Daniel Farke will be keen to improve his defensive options this summer due to a lack of options, especially at right-back.

However, the chance to capture Johnson’s signature has been missed with a move to Ipswich now set to be sealed.

Kieran McKenna’s team beat Leeds to the second automatic promotion place in the Championship last season, with six points separating the two clubs.

That has given Ipswich the advantage in the race to sign the West Ham player, with the opportunity to remain in the top flight an enticing one.

Johnson is set to sign a five-year deal to commit his future to the Suffolk outfit until the summer of 2029.

It is understood that a deal will be completed in the coming days, and that he is unlikely to change his mind despite not yet putting pen to paper on his contract with Ipswich.

This will come as a blow to Leeds, who will be looking to build a team capable of fighting for a top two place in the Championship next season.

Leeds United’s summer plans

Leeds have also been linked with the signing of Chelsea youngster Alfie Gilchrist, but face competition from Preston North End and Blackburn Rovers, as well as Italian side Como.

The Whites will also be looking to hold onto key players amid speculation over their futures after promotion failure.

Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto have both been linked with a move away from Elland Road since the 1-0 loss to Southampton in May’s play-off final.

The Yorkshire outfit will have until 30 August to complete any deals.

Promotion failure cost Leeds in Johnson pursuit

It is no surprise that Johnson has opted not to sign for Leeds when he had interest from a number of Premier League sides.

Losing out on a top two finish to Ipswich, and then the play-off final to Southampton will prove costly to Leeds this summer when chasing transfer targets.

It also means that key players might be sold, making this a tricky period for the club.