Ben Johnson signs new three-year West Ham deal after making impression on debut against Man City

WEST HAM wonderkid Ben Johnson has signed a new deal at the London Stadium.

The exciting full-back is the latest star to come through the Hammers’ academy after making his first-team debut at Manchester City last month.

Johnson, 19, who has been with West Ham since the age of seven and featured in every age-group side, was rewarded with a new contract on his 18th birthday last year.

But his rapid progress has seen boss Manuel Pellegrini hand him a fresh three-year deal.

It comes after he featured in West Ham's narrow 1-0 defeat to Man City without looking out of place.

The Hammers earmarked the youngster as an important long-term member of the squad and were keen to recognise his rise through the ranks.

Johnson's new deal is heavily incentivised allowing him to be financially rewarded as he progresses under the guidance of Pellegrini.

On making his debut last month, Johnson said: "It felt great to make my debut.

“I’m disappointed that we lost, but I felt like I deserved to be out there. I’ve been playing well so hopefully there’s more to come.

“I was on the bench for the game at Manchester City last season, but this season I felt I was ready to play and the Gaffer told me I would the day before. He said ‘don’t worry, just enjoy'".

Johnson has followed in the footsteps of Declan Rice, Grady Diangana and Conor Coventry who have pushed their way into the first-team plans in recent years.

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