Released Premier League star makes immediate return just hours later as he joins newly-promoted club on free transfer
BEN JOHNSON has signed for Ipswich Town just hours after being released by West Ham.
Johnson left the Hammers on the expiration of his contract on Sunday, bringing a close to a 17-year stint in East London.
The defender made 109 appearances for West Ham and even played his part in the Irons’ Europa Conference League success in 2023.
But after failing to negotiate a new deal with his boyhood club, Johnson was released on Sunday.
After less than 24 hours as a free agent, the former England youth international has been snapped up by Ipswich.
The Premier League newcomers have tied down Johnson to a four-year deal.
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A club statement announced that he has already joined up with his new team-mates to begin pre-season training.
Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ben is a player who fits the profile we like to bring to the Club.
“He is a young and talented defender with good technical quality, as well as excellent physical attributes.
“Ben also has a good amount of Premier League experience for his age and he is hungry to take the next step in his career. We feel this is a good move for him and he is an excellent addition for the Club.
Ben Johnson's goodbye statement
Ben Johnson released a touching goodbye statement upon his release from West Ham...
Hello everyone,
Thank you to everyone associated with West Ham United for supporting me over the last 17 years and developing me into a first-team player.
I have been blessed to have come through the Academy of Football and to play for the first team in the Premier League, domestic cups and in European competitions.
I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham for having played with a smile on my face and having really enjoyed my football. That’s really important to me.
I would say the most special memory I have is winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. To be involved in a European trophy win doesn’t come around frequently, so to be around and be part of it, and to be able to achieve that with West Ham was incredible.
My dreams were exceeded by what happened two seasons ago and I’m just so, so pleased I did it as a West Ham player. I’ll never forget that night.
I wish West Ham every success for the upcoming season under the new head coach and of course I’m going to miss all my teammates and the staff, along with the supporters.
West Ham will always be a part of my life which I’ll remember with fondness and a lot of love. I’ve developed into a young man and better player because of West Ham, so finally a huge thank you to the Club!
See you all soon.
Johno
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“Everyone who has worked with him speaks highly of his character, so we’re sure he will fit into the dressing room and our environment and culture.”
The Tractor Boys are on a roll with their business as they also announced the arrival of Omari Hutchinson from Chelsea on Sunday.
Hutchinson spent last season on loan with Ipswich, helping them gain promotion from the Championship by netting 10 goals and registering six assists.
The former Arsenal academy star, 20, has now made his move permanent for a club-record fee worth up to £22.5m.