Two West Ham United academy players could save West Ham huge amounts of money in the summer transfer window.
Julen Lopetegui is widely expected to replace David Moyes as the new West Ham boss this summer, and he has a big rebuild on his hands.
The Scot has left behind an extremely unbalanced and ageing squad, and Lopetegui absolutely has to address that.
Obviously that won’t be easy, given the fact that the Spaniard will not have unlimited funds at his disposal.
However, there is a smart way that the 57-year-old could go about his business, and it makes so much sense.
It could end up saving the Hammers at least £75 million this summer…
2 West Ham academy players could save Lopetegui at least £75m
The Hammers are well-known for producing some incredible players throughout the years, including the likes of Bobby Moore, Trevor Brooking, Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard and Declan Rice.
The ‘Academy of Football’ continues to churn out top talents, and now’s the time for a couple of them to be given a big chance.
George Earthy, 19, shot to fame when he scored his first goal for West Ham against Luton, in what was only his third senior appearance.
The Hammers youngster has been in sensational form for the under-21s this season, with 14 goals and 10 assists to his name (Transfermarkt).
He can play on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, and has everything needed to make it at the very highest level.
Now, the Hammers are being linked with a £35 million move to sign Steven Bergwijn from Ajax. Whilst Bergwijn is a top talent, I would much prefer to see Lopetegui give Earthy a chance and keep his powder dry for additions in other areas of the squad.
Then we come to Freddie Potts. The 20-year-old was exceptional for Wycombe Wanderers during a season-long loan spell with them this season.
He has been compared to Eberechi Eze, and undoubtedly has what it takes to provide proper competition and cover for Edson Alvarez next term.
Potts is strong in the tackle and has energy and athleticism in abundance.
Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher is said to be a £40 million transfer target for us this summer (Claret and Hugh).
However, much like Earthy, I would rather give Potts a chance to see what he’s made of. Listen, if neither of them make the grade, we can go again in the transfer market in the summer of 2025.
Even if Lopetegui has other targets lined up aside from Bergwijn and Gallagher, in this day and age he won’t find anyone half decent for less than £30/40 million, it’s just the way things are now.
The incoming West Ham boss should lean on his academy players next season, if he is to adequately strengthen his squad in pretty much every department.
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