Emerson Exit Clears Path For Progress at West Ham

West Ham insider ExWHUemployee has announced that next season could be a defining one for young Ollie Scarles.

With first-choice left wing-back Emerson Palmieri all but certain to leave the London Stadium this summer, opportunity is knocking. The 30-year-old Italian has serious interest from clubs in his native Brazil, Germany, Turkey and Italy. Yesterday, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano added his weight to the reports, confirming Emerson is indeed heading for the exit.

Scarles, who burst onto the scene last season with a man-of-the-match performance against Arsenal in February, now looks set to be handed a key role. Speaking on his Patreon podcast, Ex said the academy graduate could benefit directly from Emerson’s departure—and our own sources at Claret & Hugh back that up.

In fact, we were told earlier this year by a high-ranking club figure that Scarles is “a big part of Potter’s plans.” The message was clear: “He’ll either be playing or immediate backup.”

If funds can be found, it’s likely the club will dip into the market for an experienced replacement, but the intent is there—Scarles is being groomed for a much bigger role under Graham Potter.

And with the Hammers currently struggling to get transfer deals over the line, the timing of his elevation could hand the club a massive get out of jail free card.