sevendayweekender – Stoke City have continued rebuilding their squad by signing Ipswich Town right-back Ben Johnson on a season-long loan. The 26-year-old defender will remain with Stoke until the end of the current campaign.
Johnson brings extensive top-level experience to Stoke after developing his career with West Ham. He made 69 Premier League appearances for the Hammers across six seasons before leaving the club.
The defender joined Ipswich Town ahead of their 2024-25 Premier League campaign. Ipswich were ultimately relegated from the top flight at the end of that season.
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Johnson previously played an important role during Ipswich’s promotion-winning campaign. He made 17 appearances as Town secured their return to the Premier League.
His career also includes European success with West Ham. Johnson was part of the Hammers squad that won the UEFA Conference League in 2023.
That triumph came during West Ham’s successful European campaign. Johnson will now reunite with former teammate Aaron Cresswell at Stoke City.
The move also links Johnson with another former Ipswich teammate at Stoke. George Hirst recently joined the Potters on a permanent three-year contract.
Hirst’s arrival came shortly before Stoke completed their agreement for Johnson. The two players will now continue their careers together after previously sharing the Ipswich squad.
Johnson’s experience could provide Stoke with additional quality and depth at right-back. His previous Premier League and Championship experience also gives him familiarity with different levels of English football.
The loan forms part of Stoke’s wider squad rebuild during the summer transfer window. The club has now completed seven new signings as it looks to strengthen its promotion challenge.
Stoke Continue Promotion Push With Experienced Championship Defender
Stoke City have been working to build a squad capable of mounting a sustained promotion challenge. The club has been outside the Premier League since suffering relegation eight years ago.
Johnson’s arrival represents another move aimed at increasing the squad’s experience. His career has included Premier League football, Championship competition, and European success.
The defender has also experienced promotion from the Championship with Ipswich. His 17 appearances during that campaign gave him direct experience of a successful promotion push.
That experience is one reason Stoke sporting director Jonathan Walters welcomed the signing. Walters highlighted Johnson’s background at the highest level and his involvement with successful teams.
“Ben has been trusted to play at the highest level from a young age,” Walters said. “For both club and country, he has been involved in successful teams.”
Walters also pointed to Johnson’s Championship experience. He said the defender “knows the Championship well” after being involved in Ipswich’s promotion campaign.
Johnson will now aim to contribute that experience to Stoke during the new season. His ability to operate at right-back gives manager Mark Robins another option within the defensive setup.
The move also continues Stoke’s recruitment from Ipswich during the current transfer window. Hirst arrived permanently before Johnson completed his loan move to the Potters.
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Stoke will hope the additions can help improve their consistency throughout the campaign. The club’s recruitment strategy has focused on adding players capable of competing for promotion.
Johnson’s arrival gives Stoke another player with experience of high-level domestic competition. His European medal with West Ham also adds another successful chapter to his professional career.
The season-long loan provides Johnson with an opportunity to play an important role at Stoke. Meanwhile, Ipswich retain his registration while he gains further Championship experience.
Stoke will now look to integrate Johnson into their squad as their promotion campaign continues. The defender’s experience could prove valuable as the club pursues its long-term goal of returning to the Premier League.
