Emerson to fear for starting XI spot as West Ham United identify £16million replacement
Emerson has been the first-choice left-back choice under David Moyes and Julen Lopetegui since arriving at West Ham in 2022.
He has amassed a total of 93 appearances for the Hammers, and 29 caps for Italy, during his time at the London Stadium and has rarely ever let the club down. However, he may soon face an axe from the starting XI.
With 33-year-old Aaron Cresswell as the only other contender for the left-back position, Emerson has no reason to feel threatened for his spot in the starting lineup but that could be about to change.
According to Sabah [14 November], the Hammers are targeting a move for Fenerbahce defender Jayden Oosterwolde, with the Turkish side set to accept an offer in the region of £16.6million.
While the 22-year-old is sidelined until the end of the season with a long-term injury, this makes a potential axe all the more brutal for Emerson, knowing that he could be replaced at the start of next season.
West Ham United to sign Jayden Oosterwolde after previous interest?
Julen Lopetegui’s side were credited with interest in the full-back during the summer transfer window [Yagiz Sabuncuoglu], though a deal never came to fruition.
Instead, the Irons reinforced the opposite flank, purchasing Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United, which looks to be a superb piece of business so far.
Before Oosterwolde’s injury, he had played every single game of Fenerbahce’s season, including the Turkish Super Lig and Champions League qualifying, even 119 minutes against Lille.
While he has no goal contributions this term to show it, and only two goals in all competitions last term, he is happy to attack down the left flank but can deputise in the middle of defence too.
If he were to make the switch to East London, it could very much spell the end of Emerson’s long run in the side and see him take up a spot on the bench for the 2025/26 campaign.
In other West Ham news, eyebrows will be raised as a Hammers-linked manager is now in the UK.
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