From West Ham United’s first couple of outings post relegation, it is clear that squad additions will be required following the departures of key players Fernandes, Disasi and Traore, plus the likely imminent departure of Crysencio Summerville.
The defensive duo of Kilman and Mavropanos were reunited on Saturday in the Hammers’ one-all draw at Southend, and looked anything other than rock solid.
Sadly, Disasi looks out of reach for West Ham this season – the Hammers would love to bring him back but the Frenchman is likely to be in receipt of top division offers after excelling on loan in West Ham’s doomed bid to stave off relegation last season.
So, a new centre back is one of the summer priories for Hammers head of recruitment Nils Koppen.
The dailyrecord.co.uk claimed last night that Australian World Cup centre-back Harry Souttar is a likely reinforcement at London Stadium.
“Harry Souttar is a target for West Ham:
West Ham United are keen on a summer move for Harry Souttar. The Hammers have the Australian World Cup star high on their wanted list.
West Ham target Harry Souttar
The London side is looking to bounce back out of the Championship at the first time of asking. They are keen to bring in players who have been over the course and also played in the Premier League.
West Ham are currently the favourites to land the former Dundee United player.”
The Foxes paid £15 million to Stoke City for Souttar’s signature in 2023 and the 6’7″ player spent a season on loan in the Championship with Sheffield United, rupturing his Achilles and spending an extended period on the sidelines. He’s likely to be available for less than his 2023 value – so could be an experienced, Championship – ready option for West Ham.
I truly hope, this rumour falls into the Dael Frye envelope as fake news. I would be massively surprised if Koppen had earmarked such a bang average player for us
Martin are you seriously calling Traore a Key player ???
In the Championship – without Summerville, I’d say ‘yes’.
He offered very little last season for you to base that on Martin.
It’s the Daily Record’s article. Not my opinion.
He did look strong in the World Cup, but I am worried about “ruptured Achilles” and buying players from relegated clubs, we did that last year and ended up relegated
Harry Souttar would surely be great for the Hammers as long as he stays fit and healthy. He was a giant in defence for the Socceroos and was so very reliable. Brilliant heading in defence and also up front at corners. Just don’t ask him to take a penalty unless he can head it in! I hope we get him.
He played well for Australia at the World Cup
no player ever recovers from an Achilles injury to the level they were before.
move on from this one.
we need to stop buying players who get relegated, that’s why we are where we are…
Actually Achilles injuries are one of the few soft tissue injuries that dependant upon the degree of trauma and method of treatment and rehab, result in complete recovery. Additionally, assuming the etiological factor is eradicated, recurrence is extremely unlikely.