George Earthy and the next Declan Rice – The West Ham youngsters set for breakout season
West Ham could put faith in young talent in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
The Hammers have historically utilised their academy to excellent effect in order to hand their squad a welcome boost.
That once again looks likely to be the case for the upcoming season, with Graham Potter struggling to add much quality from the summer transfer market to this point.
Last season, hopes were placed on the back of Luis Guilherme, but he failed to succeed after a big-money move from Palmerias.
As a result, fresh expectations will land on a new crop of young talent as West Ham Zone picks out three players who are well-positioned to have a breakout season.
George Earthy destined for West Ham opportunity
There is always excitement that builds around starlets after coming off the back of an excellent loan spell elsewhere.
This is exactly the case for Earthy, who is coming off the back of a superb move to Bristol City, where he became a regular at Ashton Gate.
- Championship appearances: 37
- Minutes played: 1441
- Goal involvements: 4
- G/A per 90: 0.31
The 21-year-old played a key role as Liam Manning’s side secured a top-six finish, before ultimately losing to Sheffield United over two legs.
That didn’t stop Robins fans from showing their love for the England youth international off the back of a temporary stint in the second tier.
Having contributed to four goals across 40 appearances in Red, there is every chance that Potter could afford him a chance to shine in claret and blue next season.
Callum Marshall could become main striker
There is no getting away from the lack of true depth in the number nine position right now for the Irons.
The signing of Callum Wilson added some depth, although his introduction has ultimately seen Michail Antonio move on from East London.
As a result, there is a hole in the squad which will need filling, and there may not be funds available to do so from the market this summer.
This could see Marshall step up and become the main man for the Hammers at just 20 years old.
The Englishman spent the last campaign on loan at Huddersfield Town, where he contributed to 14 goals for the League One side in a largely positive year.
With the opportunity now to land minutes in the Premier League, the former Linfield youngster could soon find himself as a regular in claret and blue.
Freddie Potts could transform West Ham
Arguably, the jewel in the crown right now for the Hammers is the 21-year-old, especially after a stellar year with Portsmouth on loan.
The Englishman was arguably Pompey’s most important player last campaign and has now returned to stake a claim for a regular role in E20.
| Stat (Championship 24/25) | Freddie Potts |
| Appearances | 37 |
| Minutes played | 3062 |
| Goal involvements | 5 |
| Duels won | 231 |
| Interceptions | 39 |
This has already seen Potter trust in Potts throughout pre-season, and that could be set to follow in the upcoming Premier League season.
There is every chance that the ex-Wycombe Wanderers loanee could become the next Declan Rice for the Irons, given the similarities in dynamic midfield play.
It will be interesting to see if he can reach that level and how much the fresh-faced talent can achieve if given the chance this campaign.
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