Defensively this season just gone, West Ham started poorly, got significantly worse and rallied – a little- as Potter reduced the ‘goals conceded’ column. Clearly the side he inherited needs major improvement and further investment for next season. In a move to upgrade the centre backs, West Ham are reported to have moved already for a young England defender.
According to teamtalk then Hammers have finally got off the fence and launched their enquiry to Southampton for Taylor Harwood-Bellis, their young English centre-back who faces relegation unless rescued from his St Mary’s fate. West Ham have been linked with Harwood-Bellis since the winter when it was believed the Saints were resistant to discussing his leaving mid-season even though their Premier League campaign was pretty much doomed by the new year.
According to teamtalk’s ‘exclusive’:
“West Ham are serious about signing the defender and have identified him as a key summer target. The Irons are aware of the fact he is wanted by several other Premier League clubs and aim to anticipate any rival moves by striking an agreement first.”
Which comes as bad news for the Hammers’ error-prone Konstantinos Mavropanos who would seem the defender most likely to be replaced: Whilst the Greek was a mainstay of the defence for the early part of the season he has found himself on the bench more in recent games.
With the pending return on from loan of Nayef Aguerd, it seems more than likely that ‘Mav’ will make way for Harwood-Bells in Graham Potter’s preferred three at the back system with funds raised from a sale of the former Arsenal man going towards the summer rebuild.
Tbh I rather keep mavropanos and sell kilman
Thank dog, that Mavropanos is hopefully leaving, he’s almost certainly the worst player on West Hams books by a country mile..
Would Mavros be a good defensive midfielder? He is quite quick & can hit a pass too. That would be an interesting Summer experiment – obviously it is just speculation, but would fill a position if successful and save cash. He does have many of the right attributes, but would need specific coaching to cut out giving freekicks on the edge of the box by diving in at the wrong moment. Maybe it is just wishful thinking🤔
Mav worst defender ever to wear the shirt his heart may have been in the right place but his mistakes helped get us where we are
Maybe, but he’s certainly not the only one culpable. You could argue that Kilman has had his bad moments too. Then there has been Paqueta giving the ball away in his own half that has contributed to letting in goals. Areola, of course, we all saw how bad he is at playing out from the back with his poor footwork. That goal was absolutely a gift to Notts Forest for their first.
I must admit I know little about Harwood-Bells but I wonder if he has been that great in a Southampton team that certainly wasn’t. One would have to have more than just hope that he isn’t as bad as Mavropanos!
AM, you think Mav is the worst defender to wear Claret b Blue??? LoL
Have you only just tuned in to West Ham or something?
Do you not recall: Arbeloa, Pogatetz,Tal Ben Haim, Evra, Roger Johnson, Gary Breen