OPINION
West Ham may have exceeded expectations by making a flurry of attacking signings in this transfer window, but in midst of all the furore, they need to focus on cover for the right-back role.
Currently, the only senior players in this position are Pablo Zabaleta, Ryan Fredericks and Sam Byram – Zabaleta is 33 and is not a long-term option and Sam Byram’s future is unclear.
That only realistically leaves new arrival Fredericks as the only reliable right-back in the squad, and it is clearly evident that he needs cover in case of an injury or suspension.
Enter Timothy Fosu-Mensah, a Manchester United right-back that is reportedly going on loan if a tweet by Sky Germany journalist Sven Tollner is anything to go by. However, this move is not set in stone – and the Hammers must plot a raid on United to land the 6″3 (source: Transfermarkt) giant themselves.
Leih-Verteidiger für Hertha? Tim #Fosu-Mensah von @ManUtd wechselt nach @SkySportDE -Informationen auf Leih-Basis zu @HerthaBSC . Der 20jährige Niederländer ist in der Abwehr flexibel einsetzbar. @SkySportDE @SkySportNewsHD #hertha
— Sven Töllner (@Sky_SvenT) August 4, 2018
The 20-year-old spent the duration of the 2017/2018 campaign on a temporary spell at Crystal Palace, making 21 appearances in the league to help ensure the Eagles’ top-flight status.
He clearly does not feature in boss Jose Mourinho’s plans for the upcoming season if he is potentially going on loan to Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin, and this is one of the reasons why the Irons need to swoop for him.
The fact that he made 21 appearances for Palace indicates what a reliable member of the team he can be, and that is the type of player that West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini needs to cover Fredericks.
Fredericks could be first choice for the role, but Fosu-Mensah has the ability to challenge him for that spot and get the regular football that suits him – nevertheless, if he was not first choice, then he would be excellent back-up when an injury occurs.
Pellegrini needs to cover all bases by bringing in depth in that position and the only way he is going to achieve that is by signing a player like the Dutchman, who can also be flexible as to where he plays in the back line.
The Irons must now act fast and swoop for the youngster while they still have some time.
