Ben Johnson has become a free agent after departing West Ham, and TEAMtalk can exclusively reveal that Ipswich Town are on the brink of finalizing a deal with him.
Kieran McKenna’s side is aggressively pursuing reinforcements in the transfer market as they aim to assemble a squad capable of defying the odds and avoiding relegation.
Johnson has been a prime target for Ipswich for some time, and sources inform TEAMtalk that he has already undergone a medical with the newly promoted Premier League club.
It has been disclosed that Johnson has agreed to a four-year contract with Ipswich, with an official announcement expected as early as Monday.
Having initially broken into the West Ham first team in 2018, Johnson amassed 109 appearances for the club, netting two goals in the process.
Primarily a right-back but also capable on the left, Johnson provides valuable cover in both positions for McKenna’s squad.
His potential addition could prove significant for Ipswich, with reports from Fabrizio Romano suggesting another major signing is nearing completion.
Romano reports that Ipswich have secured the permanent signing of Chelsea winger Omari Hutchinson, a key figure in their promotion campaign last season while on loan at Portman Road.
Hutchinson, aged 20, contributed 11 goals and six assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for Ipswich.
“Understand Chelsea and Ipswich Town have just signed all docs for Omari Hutchinson permanent deal,” Romano announced.
“The agreement includes a package worth £22m plus a 25% sell-on clause, without a buy-back option. Exclusive story, confirmed.”
Hutchinson’s transfer sets a new record for Ipswich, surpassing their previous highest fee of £4.5m paid for Hermann Hreidarsson in 2000.
As previously reported exclusively on Friday, Hutchinson’s decision to leave Chelsea was influenced significantly by the opportunity to reunite with McKenna at Ipswich.
McKenna, who had been linked with the Chelsea managerial position following Mauricio Pochettino’s departure, established a strong rapport with Hutchinson.
“If McKenna had been appointed at Stamford Bridge, Hutchinson would have been more inclined to stay and fight for his place,” stated the sources.
“I spoke to the manager and immediately felt a strong connection,” Hutchinson expressed earlier about McKenna. “He understands young players from his time in the academy, so joining Ipswich was an easy decision for me.”
“In games where you come off the bench, the manager might tell you to provide a different spark,” he added. “I enjoy that responsibility, entertaining the fans and creating opportunities.”
