West Ham United‘s defensive woes are well-documented, and with question marks hanging over several central defenders, the club is reportedly looking to bolster their backline this summer. One name doing the rounds is Maxime Esteve, a young French defender who recently suffered relegation with Burnley. Should West Ham take a punt on him, or is this a gamble they can’t afford?
At 22, Esteve possesses raw talent and the benefit of recent Premier League experience. While Burnley’s relegation doesn’t paint the rosiest picture, Esteve did show promise during his loan spell. With the right coaching and development under Julen Lopetegui, he could blossom into a valuable Premier League player.
The fact that Esteve was part of a relegated side raises concerns. Was his individual performance masked by a struggling team? Can he adapt to a system and the pressure of performing for a club with higher expectations than Burnley?
West Ham needs defensive reinforcements, but they also need proven quality. Esteve represents a gamble, a chance to unearth a hidden gem. However, with uncertainties surrounding Zouma and Aguerd, West Ham can’t afford too many missteps.
Everton’s reported interest in Esteve adds another layer of complexity. West Ham will need to act quickly and decisively if they want to secure his signature. Financially, they might hold an advantage over a cash-strapped Everton.
Esteve is a potentially exciting prospect, but he comes with a question mark. West Ham needs to carefully consider the risk involved. If they prioritise experience and proven quality, they might be better served looking elsewhere. However, if they’re willing to take a calculated gamble on a young talent, Esteve could be a shrewd acquisition in the long run.
Snap him up. He’s cheap and can’t be any worse than what we already have!
Funny I’m not digging anyone out here, but no one seems to be thinking the same things about Flynn Downes
This is not a reason to swerve them – we took both Fabianski and Dawson from relegated clubs, it’s what you do with them that counts
Craig Dawson comes to mind as he was also relagated prior to signing….. 🔥 🔥🔥 yeh!!!💪
Joh y, Craig Dawson was relegated 2 or 3 seasons on the trot with different teams if my memory serves me right. So we wouldn’t want any of that would we. I’d have him back in a heartbeat COYI ⚒️
Good point. I reckon our defence started to go to rat shirt when old Balon D’awson departed
Rather than taking a risk on a young relegated foreign defender, I’d prefer a young English defender from the Championship.
important to note esteve signed for burnley in february
they got most of their points after he arrived
Brooking Bonds Devonshire Lampard Parkes etc were all part of a relegated team and it never raised any questions over their ability. In fact Brooking was an England regular front the old 2nd division.
Too True John,
So were DiCanio, Defoe, Joe Cole, Carrick etc.
But perhaps they were in times before internet, with fansites that were happy to ‘report’ on any idea or imagined notion with little or no evidence to back it up.