Meet Harry Souttar: West Ham defender-in-waiting who's had injury hell and has 'something others don't'
West Ham United would be signing a "natural leader" in Harry Souttar.
With Axel Disasi back at Chelsea and the potential for further exits to come, West Ham's centre-back options could soon be limited.
In such a vital area of the pitch, Nuno Espirito Santo will want to ensure he doesn't leave the task of guarding the Hammers' goal to mostly young academy talents, who may or may not be ready to handle that responsibility.
One player who would be up to the task, however, is Souttar, with the 27-year-old Leicester City defender now emerging in West Ham transfer conversations.
An Australian international, he's now back with the Foxes after helping the Socceroos reach the round of 32 at the World Cup, before losing to Egypt on penalties.
Indeed, the very fact that Souttar played any part in the tournament whatsoever was a huge testament to the type of character the Hammers could be adding to their squad this summer.
What major injuries has Harry Souttar sustained?
West Ham Zone has been tracking reports linking West Ham with a move for Souttar, with the Daily Record going so far as to name the Hammers as favourites to secure his services.
The former Stoke City youngster has battled through some real adversity over the last few years, having suffered numerous major injuries.
In November 2021, Souttar tore his ACL whilst playing for Australia, and that would sideline him for the best part of a year.
Then after rupturing his Achilles in a Boxing Day 2024 match for Sheffield United, just a matter of weeks after having surgery he would slip on his crutch and rupture it again, requiring him to have yet another surgery.
Souttar wouldn't kick another ball in anger until April of this year, and after playing in Leicester's final two Championship matches of last season, he was selected to be part of Australia's World Cup squad.
What he would go on to achieve at this summer's tournament was nothing short of remarkable, and his Socceroos comrades have been only too happy to speak of their admiration for him.
Why Souttar is described as an unconventional leader
Souttar started and played every single minute of Australia's four World Cup matches this summer, and as per FotMob, won the most aerial duels (21) of any centre-back at the tournament.
If that doesn't speak to the sort of character he is, then testimony from his Australia coaches and teammates certainly does.
Speaking via a report from ESPN, Australia's assistant coach Mile Jedinak said of Souttar: "From my perspective, he's just taken it all in his stride.
"You've seen Harry grow throughout the tournament. He's grown in the role, no doubt about that, and he's staying true to who Harry Souttar is, and that's what is important."
Meanwhile, defender Alessandro Circati said: "He's done great. It's not easy to do what he did. He missed almost two years of football and came back, and he's playing like he hasn't missed any football.
"Hats off to him, with the hard work that he's put in. It's not easy. I passed a similar period, and he's had to work on himself, and I'm sure he's done that.
"We see it on the pitch, he's done that very well, and obviously backing up with performances is the hardest thing, but he's done exactly that."
But perhaps the most revealing testimony comes from Socceroos midfielder Ajdin Hrustic, who said: "If you see Harry, Harry is a leader; he's got it in him.
"He's giving you something that other players don't have... everyone brings something to that team, and he's got something in him.
"He's a natural leader. He might not be the loudest, but he steps up. I'm proud of him because he's had two tough injuries, and he's come back really strong.
"He gives a speech (pre-game). He's not the loudest, but he's there for us."
Souttar sounds like the sort of player that this West Ham squad desperately needs more of, with that warrior spirit and leadership qualities sure to make him a London Stadium fan favourite.