Ipswich's Kieran McKenna talks up "excellent addition" of Premier League defender

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of defender Ben Johnson on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old arrives at Portman Road on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract at West Ham United.

Johnson departs the London Stadium after 17 years with the Hammers, having originally joined the club at the age of seven, and he made a total of 109 first-team appearances across all tournaments.

The two-time Young Hammer of the Year started eight games in West Ham's triumphant Europa Conference League campaign in 2022-23, but he struggled for regular game time last season, starting only seven of his 22 appearances in all competitions.

Johnson is now hoping to play an important role in an Ipswich side who are back in the Premier League for the first time in 22 years, after securing automatic promotion from the Championship last season.

The 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship winner with England becomes Ipswich's second signing of the summer after Omari Hutchinson, who has made his loan move from Chelsea permanent in a club-record deal.

Welcome, Ben Johnson! ✊ pic.twitter.com/X4yvYoN59E

— IPSWICH TOWN (@IpswichTown) July 1, 2024

McKenna talks up qualities of "excellent addition" Johnson

Speaking to Ipswich's official website following the arrival of Johnson, manager 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.

"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."

Ipswich have confirmed that Johnson is now working with the first-team group, who have returned for pre-season training ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Johnson will be hoping to make his debut for the Tractor Boys when they play host to Liverpool in their opening Premier League game of the new season on August 17.