It’s been a difficult international break for West Ham with first choice striker Niclas Fullkrug limping home without a minute of competitive action under his belt: The 33 year old injured himself in the warm up for his German national side and is now being assessed. However at last there is good news for Hammers manager Graham Potter ahead of the resumption of the Premier League campaign next weekend.
George Earthy is poised to be part of the squad for the upcoming clash against Tottenham Hotspur, having now fully recovered from injury.
Earthy suffered an ankle ligament injury in July 2025 during West Ham’s pre-season camp.
Earthy returned to training recently and as the summer transfer window drew to a close, found himself at the centre of interest from several Championship clubs. Bristol City, where he spent a successful loan spell last season were keen to bring him back. He played 39 games for the Robins, scoring three goals and providing one assist.
Back in contention – George Earthy
Other clubs interested in the youngster included West Bromwich Albion, Norwich City, Middlesbrough, and Wrexham.
However Earthy, a lifelong West Ham fan and Academy graduate, had other ideas. Rather than seek guaranteed minutes elsewhere, he chose to remain at the London Stadium, hoping to impress new manager Graham Potter and carve out a role in the first team. According to reports, Earthy was in close dialogue with Potter, weighing his options carefully before ultimately deciding to stay put.
Earthy’s decision to reject loan moves speaks volumes about his ambition and belief in his development trajectory. After making his debut in March 2024 and scoring against Luton Town in his third league appearance, the 20-year-old has shown flashes of brilliance that suggest he’s ready for more responsibility.
Earthy was nominated the Young Hammer of the Year in 2024.
His availability for the Tottenham fixture is a timely boost for West Ham, who are looking to inject fresh energy into their midfield.
His decision to stay could pay off handsomely if he continues to earn minutes and build momentum. For now, he’s made it clear, he’s not just here to make up the numbers, he’s here to make an impact.
Depends on what Potters advice was. If he’s going against Potters advice then probably not a smart move but would he seriously stay unless he’d been given some sort of encouragement from Potter?
Hard to see where he fits in seems a potential number 10 but Paqueta is filling that role we also don’t know if Magassa will start you would imagine if he does there maybe a new formation minus JWP of double pivot of Fernandes and Magassa with Paqueta Bowen and Summerville and Wilson or Fullkrug as the number 9 assuming also he sticks with flat back 4, the youth Potts, Earthy, Marshall, Guilherme haven’t had much of a look in so far and would be high risk against Spuds.
Summerville injured so the rumour grows..hamstring again ahh well that lasted did it not.
Would like to think Potter jumping for joy (above) indicates Earthy will be involved.
If successful he would represent third mid fielder which was needed.
Just need a striker, Marcus Leonardo, to complete decent transfer period.
Only problem is that Potter isn’t playing academy players. Weird having done so in so many preseason games – would be good to understand why.
It seems like he thinks they aren’t good enough, even relative to JWP, Rodriguez and Soucek.
The other possibility he’s protecting them from the early season pressure.
It would be good to know!