West Ham announce two stars will leave the club TODAY, joining nine other players on the release list

WEST HAM have released two more players, weeks after announcing their contract list.

Ben Johnson, 24, and Divin Mubama, 19, will leave the London Stadium today at the end of their contracts.

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A statement on the club’s website said: “West Ham United can confirm that Ben Johnson and Divin Mubama will leave the club when their respective contracts expire at midnight on 30 June 2024.

“West Ham United would like to thank Ben and Divin for their hard work and commitment during their careers with the Claret and Blue and wish them the best for the future.”

His release comes almost four weeks after the Hammers published their retained and released list.

Both players were included in the list as stars who were discussing with the club an extension of their stay.

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But after failing to reach an agreement, the pair are now free agents.

Both players are West Ham academy graduates and leave the club after breaking into the first team by rising through the ranks.

Mubama made his debut in 2022 and has since made 18 first-team appearances.

While Johnson’s connection with the club dates back to his professional debut in 2019.

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Ultimately, Johnson made 109 appearances for West Ham and even contributed to the Irons’ success in the Europa Conference League in 2023.

The former England youth international released a statement on the club’s website thanking fans for supporting him during his 17-year spell in east London.

He wrote: “I wish West Ham every success next season under the new manager and will of course miss all my team-mates and the squad, along with the fans.

“West Ham will always be a part of my life and one that I will remember with affection and lots of love.

“I became a better young man and player because of West Ham, so finally a big thank you to the club!”

Johnson may already have a new club lined up with Ipswich Town in talks to sign the defender.

Johnson and Mubama join nine other players released by West Ham this summer.

Angelo Ogbonna was the most notable of the other nine stars, while goalkeeper Joseph Anang also saw the exit door.

The other seven names to come out are all academy candidates.

They are Jacob Knightbridge, Keenan Appiah-Forson, Dan Chesters, Liam Jones, Jerry Umolu, Seb Boothe and Blaise Uwandji.

Ben Johnson’s statement in full

Hey guys,

Thank you to everyone associated with West Ham United for supporting me over the last 17 years and turning me into a first-team player.

I was blessed to have been through the Football Academy and to have played for the first team in the Premier League, national cups and European competitions.

I just want to be known and remembered for my time at West Ham for playing with a smile on my face and for really enjoying my football. This is very important to me.

I would say the most special memory I have is winning the UEFA Europa Conference League. Being involved in winning a European trophy doesn’t happen often, so to be around and be a part of that, and to be able to achieve that with West Ham, was incredible.

My dreams were shattered by what happened two seasons ago and I’m very, very happy to have done that as a West Ham player. I’ll never forget that night.

I wish West Ham every success next season under the new manager and will of course miss all my team-mates and staff as well as the fans.

West Ham will always be a part of my life and one that I will remember with affection and lots of love. I have become a better young man and player because of West Ham, so finally a big thank you to the Club!

See you all soon.

John