West Ham confirm three departures as rebuild continues
West Ham have confirmed academy graduates Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama will leave the club upon the expiration of their contracts on June 30.
Both players rejected the club’s offers to extend their respective deals last season and were not included on the club’s Premier League retained list.
Right-back Johnson is set to join newly-promoted Ipswich Town on a free transfer, prompting the Hammers to look for a new signing there.
Standard Sport understands the club have held talks with Southampton over the prospect of a swap deal sending Flynn Downes to the south coast, where he earned promotion to the Premier League following a successful loan spell last season.
That could see England international Kyle Walker-Peters move to east London, though talks are believed to be at an early stage and the deals could even be done separately.
Forward Mubama had been promoted to the first-team squad last summer after starring in the West Ham’s FA Youth Cup win but, despite impressing former David Moyes, struggled for first-team minutes.
“West Ham United would like to thank Ben and Divin for their hard work and commitment during their careers in Claret and Blue and wish them the very best in the future,” read a statement.
Said Benrahma has also completed a permanent transfer from West Ham to Lyon for an undisclosed fee.
The Algeria winger spent the second half of last season on loan at the French club, scoring three times in 12 Ligue 1 appearances.
Benrahma joined West Ham from Brentford in October 2020 and registered 24 goals in 155 games for the club.
The 28-year-old was part of the Hammers side which won the 2023 Europa Conference League, scoring a penalty in the 2-1 final win over Fiorentina in Prague.
"Everyone at West Ham United would like to thank Said for his contribution and wish him the best for the future," read a club statement.
New West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has already seen his squad revamped this summer through the signings of Brazilian youngster Luis Guilherme and experienced goalkeeper, Wes Foderingham.
