Sessegnon Free Transfer Gamble?

West Ham United are apparently very close to taking former Fulham left-back Ryan Sessegnon, despite concerns over his injury record. The 24-year-old is available on a free transfer after his contract expired at Fulham, making him a tempting option for manager-in-waiting Julen Lopetegui’s squad rebuild.

Sessegnon’s talent is undeniable. He was once a highly-rated prospect, earning a big-money move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2019. However, his progress has been hampered by a string of injuries. Transfermarkt data reveals he has missed nearly a year and a half of action (439 days) since the start of the 2022/23 season.

Competition for Sessegnon’s signature is expected, but West Ham might hold some key advantages. According to Fabrizio Romano, the player himself is keen to stay in the Premier League, plus West Ham’s location in London could be more appealing to Sessegnon than a move elsewhere in the country or abroad.

The biggest selling point for West Ham, however, is the free transfer fee. Sessegnon’s injury woes undoubtedly present a risk, but the absence of a transfer fee mitigates that concern considerably. With Lopetegui needing reinforcements across multiple positions, a free transfer for a player of Sessegnon’s caliber could be a shrewd piece of business.

The potential reward of a fit Sessegnon back to his best could be immense. The England U21 international is a highly talented player with the potential to be a key figure for West Ham. However, the gamble on his fitness could prove costly if his injury problems persist. Only time will tell if Sessegnon in claret and blue is a masterstroke or a major headache for us