How West Ham feel about Ethan Pinnock as he's left out of Brentford side

West Ham United may not be done adding veteran Premier League defenders this summer.

Indeed, the capture of Joel Veltman on a free after his departure from Brighton marked the start of West Ham's summer recruitment drive.

The versatile 34-year-old can play at full-back or in central defence, and has featured briefly in all three of the Hammers' competitive games in 2026-27 so far.

Ethan Pinnock is of a similar profile, with the 33-year-old now in his seventh season with Brentford.

His role has gradually been declining over recent years, however, and he made just 23 total appearances in 2024-25.

But, he could well be a defender whom Nuno Espirito Santo has spotted bargain potential with as the transfer clock ticks down.

What has been said about West Ham's interest in Ethan Pinnock?

Every Championship promotion-winning team needs its contingent of veteran players who've been there and done it.

Pinnock is one of those, having played a key role in the Brentford squad that won promotion to the Premier League in 2020-21.

He's also got experience at Championship level with Barnsley too, as well as being a 28-cap Jamaican international.

And, as The West Ham Way report on Monday, West Ham are looking at the experienced Premier League defenders market in the search for "leadership skills".

It's claimed that Pinnock is a player who "ticks those boxes", as well as other names being on the Hammers' shortlist.

The central defender was an unused substitute in Brentford's Premier League opening-day victory over Tottenham on Saturday.

Bees boss Keith Andrews used all five of his available subs too, which is even more telling for Pinnock's place in the side.

So, what is his contract status at the Gtech Community Stadium, and does it work in West Ham's favour?

Why Brentford may not be happy to sell Pinnock this summer

Pinnock's most recent contract extension with Brentford came back in May 2023.

He penned a four-year deal with the Bees at that time, meaning his contract is set to expire next summer.

In that respect, Brentford may be happy to sell him to West Ham this summer in order to ensure they get a fee for him.

However, Andrews' centre-back depth isn't great currently, with Sepp van den Berg out injured leaving Kristoffer Ajer, Nathan Collins and Pinnock as their only fit and senior central defenders.

Brentford do have some highly-rated young players in this position that are on the first-team fringes, and could be viable Pinnock replacements.

However, the Jamaicans experience is valuable, and he's still a more than reliable player at Premier League level if/when asked to step in and play.

So, whilst his contract status works in West Ham's favour, Brentford may not be willing to let him leave unless they sign another centre-back before the deadline.