West Ham Chase Norway’s Hottest Young Wing Wizard

By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)

West Ham’s interest in Viking FK winger Edvin Austbø is particularly intriguing given that the Hammers have already strengthened the left flank with Manor Solomon.

With Jarrod Bowen operating from the right and Solomon now available on the left, the obvious first-team positions are covered. However, Solomon’s injury history means it would be a massive gamble to enter a gruelling Championship campaign without another genuine wide option.

And Austbø looks very tasty indeed.

This looks like a proper Koppen signing

The 21-year-old Norwegian is exactly the sort of less obvious signing I’d hoped might emerge following the appointment of recruitment director Nils Koppen.

West Ham’s business so far has largely involved established and easily identifiable players. Austbø would feel much more like an actual scouting discovery.

Indeed, when Koppen first emerged as West Ham’s recruitment choice, one of the most interesting aspects of his track record was his reputation for identifying young talent before the rest of Europe caught on.

Much like Solomon, Austbø’s standout attribute is undoubtedly his ability to carry the ball. He currently averages an enormous 9.29 dribbles per 90 minutes, completing 66.15%, while his 6.29 progressive runs per 90 ranks him first among Eliteserien midfielders in both categories.

That’s a winger who wants the ball and immediately attacks defenders.

There’s substance to his final ball too. Austbø averages 5.86 crosses per 90 at 51.22% accuracy, the second-highest crossing volume in his peer group, alongside 1.43 shot assists per game.

The numbers Nuno should love

Perhaps the hidden gem is his work when possession is lost, which should certainly appeal to Nuno Espírito Santo.

Austbø averages three counter-pressing recoveries per 90, with 26 of his 43 counter-pressing recoveries over the last year coming in the final third.

That’s encouraging for any winger hoping to play in Nuno’s team.

At 21, there’s obviously development required, but that’s part of the attraction.

West Ham have already added 34-year-old Joel Veltman and have even been linked with 39-year-old Jamie Vardy. Adding some youth to that experience makes sense.

Reiss Nelson would provide another established option and West Ham’s interest in the Arsenal winger has been around for some time, but Austbø interests me considerably more.

This is exactly the type of young, emerging talent I’d hoped Koppen’s arrival might help West Ham uncover.

Because thus far, the players linked with the Hammers and those we’ve already signed are well-known, established stars who haven’t required any great scouting or football knowledge at all.

Austbø feels different.

And that’s exactly why this particular transfer link has grabbed my attention more than some of the journeymen reported thus far.