Kaelan Casey could be handed perfect West Ham United chance as transfer update emerges
Julen Lopetegui has already attempted to draft in defensive reinforcements to the West Ham squad, but Kaelan Casey could be an obvious addition.
The 19-year-old experienced a superb campaign with the club’s Under-21s side in the Premier League 2, starting 18 league matches with many as captain.
Casey has proven himself to be a reliable centre-back option for the young Irons, even earning himself a call-up to David Moyes’ senior team at the end of the season, playing a handful of minutes against Luton Town.
Of course, with Lopetegui set to enter the London Stadium this summer, the club will likely undergo a huge change and the defence is one aspect that must be different ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
West Ham’s defence was slaughtered throughout last season, having only conceded fewer goals than Luton, Burnley and Sheffield United. With Angelo Ogbonna leaving, the Spaniard is left with Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Nayef Aguerd.
The situation could get even worse, with the latter linked with a summer move to Atletico Madrid after just two seasons at the London Stadium.
Kaelan Casey to take advantage of West Ham United defensive set-up
Given the uncertainty over Lopetegui’s defensive arsenal ahead of next season, Casey must take advantage and establish himself as a trusted centre-back during pre-season.
He has even made his England Under-20s debut on Friday 7 June, starting in a 2-1 victory over Sweden. Should the defender be allowed a chance to stake his claim, Hammers fans may see more of him next season.
The 19-year-old has been on the fringes of the first team all season. With that kind of patience, and Moyes not too keen to throw youngsters into the mix, Casey must finally be rewarded as one of Lopetegui’s first actions in charge.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have placed a surprise player on their transfer list ahead of the upcoming summer window.
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