West Ham United call off moves for Ian Maatsen and Ronnie Edwards on deadline day
West Ham are not likely to pursue moves for Ian Maatsen or Ronnie Edwards any further before the transfer window closes, according to The Express.
Malik Ouzia reported on the newspaper’s online transfer blog on Friday [1 September] that, while West Ham are fans of Chelsea full-back Maatsen, they are well stocked at left-back as Aaron Cresswell is staying put at the London Stadium.
A move for Peterborough United defender Edwards is also said to be off the cards, despite the Irons having previous tabled an offer [Nizaar Kinsella].
Ouzia said: “Earlier in the week we reported that West Ham were in talks with Peterborough over a deal for England youth international Ronnie Edwards, but as things stand that’s not a move that will be happening today.
“The same goes with the Hammers’ interest in Chelsea’s Ian Maatsen.
“The club still like the young left-back but with Aaron Cresswell staying put David Moyes is well enough stocked in that position.”
Promising pair
Signing Maatsen would undoubtedly have strengthened Moyes’ side – not just in a defensive sense but also going forward, given the attacking-minded defender’s ability to get up and down the pitch.
Emerson is a solid option at left-back, while Cresswell is also a steady enough back-up, but Maatsen looks like a far more promising player than both.
The Netherlands U21 international was named in the Championship Team of the Season in 2022-23 after starring for promoted Burnley.
Maatsen then impressed for Chelsea during their pre-season tour of the United States, yet it was not enough to see him usurp Ben Chilwell.
Edwards is also a young defender with Championship experience who looks capable of making the step up to the Premier League.
For whatever reason, though, a move will not be happening this month.
Both players appear to have promising futures, and it might well be that United resume discussions ahead of the January window.
In other West Ham news, Moyes’ side got a surprise signing over the line on deadline day.