The news that West Ham are planning for an overhaul to their defence will be something of a relief to fans who had to watch a cascade of goals overwhelm the Irons last season and consequently endure one of the worst goal differences in the Premier League.
Axel Disasi – the Hammers standout performer – is gone. Back at Chelsea after a loan. Jean Clair Todibo is ‘for sale’ having vowed he’d never play for Nuno again. I suspect that sentiment is mutual. Dinos Mavropanos apparently wants to leave whilst the Hammers would dearly love him to stay.
Which is more than can be said for flop of the year 2024 Maximilian Kilman who will, by all accounts, be loaned out somehwhere – anywhere. Which, in case you haven’t done the maths, means the Irons could be looking for three or possibly four new centre backs this summer – on a shoestring.
Loaned out into the Championship last year, Kaelan Casey could find himself back in the first team squad in August
Even allowing for the elevation of Kaelan Casey and Ezra Mayers, the former academy starlets on the rise, West Ham will be short of two defenders. which accounts for the reports of Cardiff City’s youngster being lined up for a bid according to the72.co.uk:
“Cardiff City face a fight to hold on to 20-year-old Dylan Lawlor this summer with several Champions League clubs admirers of the rising star. Wales Online report that West Ham hold ‘concrete interest’ in Lawlor following relegation from the Premier League. However, the Hammers will face competition from two Champions League clubs and a Europa League outfit.”
Dylan Lawlor – tipped for interest from West Ham
Taylor Harwood- Bellis he is not. But then, at around ‘£7 – 10 million‘ he’d be less than half the price and a useful squad addition. If he’s still available when the Hammers have both the funds and the personnel to get bids in later in the summer – by which time said ‘Europa League’ side may well have steamed in for the youngster’s signature.