View: Rangers officially free to move for ‘Wonderful’ gem after contract news today

Change has been aplenty at Rangers throughout the summer transfer window thus far.

Philippe Clement has welcomed a total of five permanent signings to the club – albeit one of those in Oscar Cortes was already previously on loan – in what is seemingly going to be a summer of rebuilding.

Of all the summer signings the Gers have made this summer, their defence is arguably one of the least unchanged areas of the pitch.

Granted, Jefte has been welcomed to the club following the departure of Borna Barisic. However, aside from the Brazilian, there isn’t a regular defensive starter that has been welcomed as of yet.

James Tavernier is a player who has been consistently linked with a move away from Rangers this summer, as former manager Steven Gerrard wants to bring the right-back to the Saudi Pro League [The 4th Official, 26 June].

Should a move occur for Tavernier, there’s no doubt that a replacement would be needed. Enter, Ben Johnson.

Having been repeatedly linked with the full-back, it has now been confirmed by West Ham United via their official website that the defender will not be staying at London Stadium.

Johnson’s long-term stay at the club will officially end on 30 June, paving the way for the Gers to finally snap him up if they can first see off competition from rival clubs.

Why Rangers should go for Ben Johnson this summer

Johnson has been with West Ham United for the entirety of his youth and senior career.

The right-back has made a total of 109 appearances for the Hammers across all competitions but has chosen to leave the London-based club upon the expiry of his contract.

Described as “wonderful” from former West Ham Coach Stuart Pearce, the full-back would be an ideal replacement for Tavernier should he leave.

If Rangers do choose to try acquire Johnson’s services, it won’t be an easy task.

Despite being consistently linked with a move to Scotland, a plethora of Premier League teams such as Ipswich and Crystal Palace [HITC, 24 June] have also been touted with a move for the 24-year-old.

If the Gers do manage to sign Johnson, it would be a major statement to rivals Celtic and would move them a step closer to being able to mount a serious title challenge in 2024-25.

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