West Ham know Andreas Schjelderup is only like-for-like Crysencio Summerville replacement
West Ham United may need to sell Crysencio Summerville this summer, and if they do, Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup is the man to go for.
Nuno Espirito Santo has been aided by Summerville since the turn of the year, with the Dutchman finally proving his worth in E20.
However, that could come at a cost for the Irons, who are expecting interest in the winger this summer.
Multiple Premier League clubs are already said to be monitoring the 24-year-old, and though relegation would most likely spell the end for him with West Ham, avoiding the drop doesn't guarantee him staying put.
Either way, Summerville could leave West Ham if he feels like a move is best for his future, but the Hammers are already clued up on Schjelderup.
West Ham have already scouted Andreas Schjelderup
West Ham were linked with Schjelderup in the January transfer window, but instead signed Keiber Lamadrid.
This may have been the cheaper option for David Sullivan, who most likely didn't want to add another left-winger due to Summerville's improved performances.
| Player | Played | Goal involvements | Shots per 90 | Chances created |
| Andreas Schjelderup | 25 | 10 | 1.27 | 37 |
| Crysencio Summerville | 27 | 6 | 1.27 | 23 |
As seen in the table above, there are plenty of comparisons between Schjelderup and Summerville, particularly in their ability to beat defenders.
They are, however, both confident players, but Schjelderup's well-known reputation for being a wonderkid on the video game Football Manager could prove that his ceiling is higher.
The 21-year-old has taken his game to the next level in Portugal and is looking ready to take the step up to the Premier League.
There is still the uncertainty of West Ham's Premier League status, and a drop to the Championship would almost certainly rule a move for the winger out of the question.
West Ham could go with Rush Green-made Summerville replacement
Relegation would be a turning point in West Ham's career, and if Sullivan opted against selling the club, he would need to think about transfers a lot more.
Schjelderup is a luxury player that can only be lured by Premier League football, and staying down would mean a transfer would be virtually impossible.
However, it would give Josh Ajala a chance to step up, regardless of who is in charge of the Hammers, with his performances at Rush Green showing his potential.
The winger is ready for his first-team breakthrough, but relegation may be his only hope of a chance at the London Stadium any time soon.