A top West Ham United source has revealed to Claret & Hugh that the club will need to rely on internal options if a defensive crisis occurs.
We approached a top-ranking Hammers official yesterday evening to ask if there was a contingency plan to replace left-back Emerson with an out-of-contract player, should his injury diagnosis prove worse than expected.
We were told unequivocally that West Ham are “maxed out” in terms of spending and very close to their wage limit. Therefore, any cover for the Italian international would have to come from within the squad, most likely Aaron Cresswell, Ollie Scarles, or Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
There have been suggestions that the Hammers could explore the free transfer market or offer a trial, as they did with John Egan last week. However, C&H were informed that there is a “zero percent” chance of any new signings.
Scarles recently signed a new four-year contract with the club but is expected to continue his development with the under-21 team. If Emerson’s injury side-lines him for the next Premier League fixture against Chelsea, Wan-Bissaka is likely to step in, with Vladimir Coufal returning to right-back.
If Summerville is selected he’d be better off with a left footed left back. AWB is very impressive but on the left he passes the ball inside rather than up the line. Difficult choice with Cresswell being too far past it and Scarles needing more development. It will be AWB at left back anyway unless another injury occurs.