Adam Webster injury record examined as West Ham eye free transfer

Adam Webster has emerged as a target for West Ham United, though his injury record may change that stance.

The Hammers have to be incredibly shrewd about their transfer business this summer, with a blend of quality mixed with some experience.

In regard to Webster, he would certainly fulfill the criteria of the latter, having made over 150 appearances for Brighton and over 300 in English football.

The 31-year-old will become a free agent on 30 June, which is when his contract with the Seagulls is due to expire.

On the face of it, it may seem like a smart addition given his experience.

Though his injury record suggests otherwise.

How many games has Adam Webster missed for Brighton?

A player's best attribute is always his availability, and for Webster, he struggles in that regard, and has done so throughout the majority of his time with the Seagulls.

Since his move to Brighton in 2019, he has missed a total of 93 games with a collection of injuries.

But what will be more concerning is the fact that 43 of those games were in the previous campaign.

Webster suffered an injury to his cruciate ligament, which he has yet to make his comeback from having been out for almost 12 months.

For West Ham to pursue a deal off the back of that would certainly be a risk, even if the financial cost of it were to be minimal.

West Ham to ramp up defender search after exit news

With Axel Disasi due to return to Chelsea, the Hammers are almost certain to be in the market for a centre-back.

And that is only amplified by the news that both Jean-Clair Todibo and Konstantinos Mavropanos have their sights set on an exit.

The latter was infuential in an otherwise dismal Premier League campaign for the Hammers, while the former certainly made his fair share of enemies given his attitude.

As an emergency option, Webster may not be the worst choice, though it's clear that West Ham must be aiming much higher for their starting 11.