Aston Villa backed to sign Ben Johnson from West Ham amid Unai Emery unhappiness
West Ham United defender Ben Johnson could be a “good option” for Aston Villa as Unai Emery is not “happy” with his current options, according to Alan Hutton.
The Villa boss has rotated between Matty Cash and Ezri Konsa throughout the season so far, with the Polish international regularly starting on the right of a back four as the Villans continue to challenge for the top four.
But recent reports have suggested that Villa and Emery are considering a move for Johnson, who is set to be a free agent when his contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of the Premier League season [HITC’s Graeme Bailey, 15 April].
While Hutton believes the versatile 24-year-old will be one of many options on the Villans’ shopping list this summer, he admits that Johnson’s experience in the Premier League could temp Emery into making a move.
“I think they will have plan A, B and C,” Hutton told Villa News.
“They’ll look to make the squad stronger and at full-back, Matty Cash has had his injury problems so he’s been in and out. Konsa has played there so are you looking for somebody to come in and just strengthen that position or be a starter?
“They will have different options. Do they see that as a place where they desperately need to strengthen or are they just looking for somebody to come in and help that area? Only they’ll know that.
“For me looking from the outside in, it looks like Unai Emery is probably not as happy as he’d like to be in that position because he keeps changing, Konsa is a centre-back and he’s playing there which isn’t ideal.
“I think to bring experience and somebody who knows the league always helps. They settle in really quickly and they can hit the ground running so he’s a good option.”
Will Aston Villa sign West Ham United defender Ben Johnson in the summer transfer window?
It is clear that Emery is not entirely content with his current defensive options ahead of the summer transfer window. That was evident in the January transfer window when Villa opted to sign Kosta Nedeljkovic.
But it remains to be seen whether the teenager is able to hit the ground running immediately in the Premier League. If he takes some time to adapt, Villa could do with a strong back-up option waiting in the wings.
Whether Johnson is that man remains to be seen, but his position as a soon-to-be free agent means that this move could almost be a free hit for all parties. It’s one to keep an eye on as the summer transfer window draws nearer.
In other Aston Villa news, Nicolo Zaniolo is expected to “assess his options” ahead of the summer transfer window
For more Aston Villa news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.