In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano claimed that West Ham United are facing stiff competition for Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters this summer. Romano said,
“For Walker-Peters, they had some sort of conversation over a potential ‘swap’ deal with Southampton. So that could be an option for West Ham to return. For Walker-Peters, for sure, they want to cover that position. So right-back is something that could happen at West Ham during this summer transfer window.”
Walker-Peters’ Impressive Form In English Football
Walker-Peters enjoyed a decent campaign at the English club as he was responsible for putting in a series of impressive displays for them on the right side of their backline. The 27-year-old scored three times and grabbed three assists in 47 appearances for Southampton last season in multiple competitions.
The English talent deserves a ton of credit for averaging 1.8 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.9 shots, 1.0 key passes and 1.8 dribbles per game in the EFL Championship. He has even been accurate when distributing the ball from inside his half after completing 91.1% of his attempted passes in the second tier of English football (stats via whoscored).
Should West Ham United Boss Julen Lopetegui Snap Walker-Peters Up This Summer?
Walker-Peters is a solid tackler of the ball and can sense the danger well to earn the ball back for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when the opposition are on the offensive.
The English defensive ace can strike the ball well from long range and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes on the offensive end of the field. He is primarily a right-back but can also function as a left-back if asked to do so.
Walker-Peters would enhance the quality of West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui’s first XI. He has what it takes to challenge for a regular starting place at the East London club next season.
At 27, Walker-Peters is about to enter his prime which makes him a worthy target for the Hammers to consider later this year. He would also serve as an upgrade over Vladimir Coufal at the Premier League club. Hence, West Ham should consider snapping Walker-Peters up this summer.
