In a recent report from Nottinghamshire Live, it was mentioned that West Ham United have decided to trust Emmanuel Longelo with an increased role in the first-team squad next season amid keen interest from Nottingham Forest. The Championship side need to solve their left-back situation and have identified Longelo as a potential target as they compete in the Premier League for their next campaign.
Emmanuel Longelo’s Campaign For West Ham United U-23s
The 21-year-old has impressed in the Premier League 2 for the Hammers. He has scored a goal and produced five assists last season. Longelo has proved to be valuable at the backline performing consistently over 18 appearances for the Under-23 team.
His first senior outing for the Hammers was in a 5-1 thrashing of Hull City in the EFL Cup. The Barking-born sensation made his first full-team debut last season as he played for the full 90 minutes against Dynamo Zagreb in the Europa League competition.
Should West Ham Boss David Moyes Send Him On Loan?
The young talent has impressed Moyes with his outstanding performances in the left-back position. He remains quick on his feet to make some decent runs down the left flank. He can even set up his teammates with some clear-cut goal-scoring chances in front of the goal.
Moyes’ decision of increasing his role in the first-team squad could be beneficial for the Longelo as he could prove to be a brilliant understudy for Aaron Cresswell. At 32, Cresswell could only perform at a high level for a couple more years and Longelo, at 21, would be a perfect replacement in the near future.
Although, if we consider regular game time, Longelo could develop even further if he is sent out on loan particularly at Nottingham Forest since the Championship side have now been promoted to the English first division which means that Longelo could adapt to the Premier League very well before being called back to the London Stadium.
David Moyes would be wise to loan him out for the next campaign as the Hammers do not lack squad depth in the defensive areas.
