With yesterday’s hoped – for, but still somewhat unexpected, departures of Nayef Aguerd, Maxi Cornet and James Ward-Prowse on loan, the West Ham United senior squad suddenly looks a bit thin. Nine new arrivals plus a tenth who has already been loaned out for the season – Mohamadou Kante – have revolutionised the appearance of the squad but have left the Head Coach scratching around for numbers: This has worked to the advantage of two of our academy players who probably unexpectedly- but deservedly- find themselves called into the senior squad.
Kaelan Casey joins the senior squad as defensive cover now Aguerd has left on his season long loan, West Ham have only three front line centre-backs in Kilman, Mavropanos and Todibo. Casey, 19 years old, has already made his debut as a substitute for the senior squad in our UEFA Conference -league winning season, and of course was part of the 2023 FA youth cup-winning side.
Kaelan Casey
Ollie Scarles at 18 is the youngest member of the Hammers’ squad but experienced, too – he made his debut as a midfield starter in the UCL match against FCSB in 2022. Similarly he played with Casey in the FA Youth Cup winning side.
It’ll be time for some nerves, no doubt, as they wait the Head Coaches’ call from the bench this afternoon, in the biggest test they’ll face in the Premier League this season. Quite how long they will be in the squad is another matter – more on that later!