West Ham United have endured a disappointing season, with many of the high earners failing to live up to expectations. So could it be wise to see what’s available in the lower leagues this summer?
Slaven Bilic could set his sights on doing transfer business in the lower leagues
Slaven Bilic’s side currently sit in the bottom half of the Premier League table and will not be improving on their seventh place finish last season. The Hammers will not be playing host to any European football next season either and this could hinder them in their attempts to sign big name players.
Their move to the London Stadium has not brought with it good fortune and their failure to kick on from last season’s success will have disappointed everyone associated with the club. Long-term success is crucial, so looking at talent in the lower leagues may be an untapped resource they can utilise to realise their ambitions in the long run.
Ryan Sessegnon – Fulham
The 16-year-old has enjoyed a productive breakthrough season at Craven Cottage. He has been making a name for himself in recent months and a number of Premier League clubs have their eyes on the left sided player.
West Ham’s left backs have hardly been pulling up any trees this campaign. Aaron Cresswell has looked far from his best and summer signing Arthur Masuaku has looked out of his depth when he has played.
Sessegnon would certainly be a signing for the future for West Ham. They could potentially loan him back to Fulham if they are willing to give Cresswell another chance to rekindle his form next season. Sessegnon can also play in a more attacking left midfield role. He is one of England’s brightest talents and the Hammers could be a great fit for him.
Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon in action
Nathan Smith – Port Vale
Smith has been an ever present for Port Vale in League One this season. This is his first full campaign at Vale Park and he has earned himself a number of plaudits for his consistent performances in defence.
Premier League side Stoke City were said to be lining up a move for the defender, according to the Stoke Sentinel. Smith is just 21-years-old and his time on loan at cash-strapped Torquay United in the National Conference last season has helped mould him into a mature centre half.
It would be unrealistic to expect Smith to get into the West Ham team if he was signed but he could become an ever present in the side if he is managed correctly.
Devante Cole of Fleetwood Town has a shot blocked by Nathan Smith of Port Vale
Ollie Watkins – Exeter City
Watkins has been a name touted around since breaking into League Two Exeter City’s side. The 21-year-old centre forward has been linked with various clubs in the higher divisions, including Leeds United (HITC) and Southampton (Devon Live).
He has scored 13 goals and got nine assists so far this season to help guide the Grecians into the play-off places. Despite successfully retaining him so far, it will be a tough task for Exeter to convince Watkins that his immediate future lies in Devon.
West Ham have not had much success with their most recent signings up front so it could be time for a different approach to help find their next star forward. Watkins would be a more than affordable option for them to take a gamble on.
Ollie Watkins scores for Exeter City
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