ExWHUEmployee shares Earthy and Orford exit updates at West Ham United
West Ham United fans will be hoping that Graham Potter can attract some big-name signings in his first summer transfer window as manager.
Potter was drafted into the Hammers hotseat in January after the team’s poor showing under Julen Lopetegui.
His team showed signs of promise at times, but it’s widely accepted that new signings are needed if a drastic improvement is going to be made at the London Stadium.
Earthy and Orford set to stay at West Ham
George Earthy and Lewis Orford are two players who are expected to be in contention for first-team appearances next season.
It had been rumoured that the young academy players could be loaned out to the Championship. Earthy had been linked with Norwich, while Portsmouth were interested in Orford.
However, a report from ExWHUEmployee via Patreon (7 June) states that both players will remain at the club to fight for a first-team place next season.
The news could be particularly disappointing to Portsmouth, who had Hammers midfielder Freddie Potts on loan at Fratton Park last season.
It was thought that Orford could be an adequate replacement for Potts at Fratton Park next season, but that ship now appears to have sailed.
Potts is also expected to remain in East London for a first-team place next season.
Young stars may need patience to be given first-team minutes
It’s great news to hear that Potter is willing to give his academy stars a chance.
Earthy and Orford only have a handful of appearances in a Hammers shirt between them.
However, Orford thrived in the Under-23 side this year while Earthy enjoyed a full season on loan at Bristol City.
For sure, it makes sense to take a look at them during pre-season where there’s nothing on the line.
| West Ham players loan out 2024-25 | |
| George Earthy | to Bristol City |
| Regan Clayton | to Dagenham and Redbridge |
| Junior Robinson | to Sutton United |
| Nayef Aguerd | to Real Sociedad |
| Mohamadou Kante | to Paris St Germain |
| Freddie Potts | to Portsmouth |
| Callum Marshall | to Huddersfield |
| Gideon Kodua | to Wycombe |
If they perform well during these friendly games, Potter won’t be afraid to throw them in the deep end. He was known to give frequent opportunities to young players during his time at Brighton.
However, he also has a reputation for his savviness in the transfer market, and a lot of fans would prefer he signed more experienced midfielders during the transfer window.
Either way, this summer gives the manager a real chance to make his mark on the team and deliver an improved performance in the Premier League next season.