Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Wed 11 March 2026 13:10, UK

Regan Clayton could be handed a chance for West Ham United in the absence of Crysencio Summerville.

West Ham are in the midst of a relegation battle, and the one player that they have been looking towards to get them out of their current predicament has been Summerville.

The Dutchman has five goals and one assist in the Premier League this season, with all but one of those goals coming within the last two months.

However, with Summerville now out injured at West Ham, the Hammers need to assess their immediate options to replace him, and for Clayton, a golden opportunity could emerge.

Does Regan Clayton have what it takes for West Ham?

With the likes of Ollie Scarles, Mohamadou Kante and Ezra Mayers, the Hammers have shown faith in their young stars despite their poor campaign.

But Clayton is one of them who has not yet been afforded a chance to shine under Nuno Espirito Santo, but his chance could come very soon.

West Ham are lacking a direct replacement for Summerville, and Clayton has been utilised on the left wing throughout the season for their Under-21s.

The 21-year-old has seven assists in the Premier League 2, having also shown a level of maturity with his willingness to do the work off the ball, and has been nominated for the Player of the Month award for February.

Clayton’s quality has been on show throughout the current campaign, and given the lack of options in that area of the pitch in the first team, this could be his calling to make his mark.

What other options does Nuno have in Summerville absence?

Adama Traore was the man chosen to start on the left flank in the FA Cup victory against Brentford, and that is likely to be the decision made by Nuno again this weekend against Man City.

However, it feels likely that Clayton will be named on the bench, if for no other reason than to give the Irons some balance on that side of the pitch.

It would be a big call by Nuno to hand the 21-year-old a Premier League debut given their current predicament, but it could be a risk that pays off.