An elite club has made a move for one of West Ham’s top players, and it’s reportedly “viable” that he might leave, according to recent reports.
West Ham has been linked with several left-backs this summer. Among the targets are free agent Ryan Sessegnon, Real Betis’s Juan Miranda, and longstanding target Filip Kostic from Juventus. However, an incident that left Kostic in tears over the weekend might affect that possibility. Additionally, Aaron Cresswell has unexpectedly been given a new one-year deal.
A journalist with close connections to the club has confirmed that West Ham is looking to strengthen the left-back position during this transfer window. This move is in line with the fans’ long-standing calls for a young, modern, and pacy left-back.
Emerson Palmieri, after a challenging start, has performed excellently for West Ham, although his form dipped in the last few months of the season. Now nearing 30, Emerson’s future at the club is uncertain. Reports from Italian transfer reporter Gianluca Di Marzio indicate that AC Milan made a “concrete move” to sign Emerson, and Milan believes that Emerson would be open to the transfer, describing the deal as a “viable path.” Milan is preparing for the possible sale of Theo Hernandez and sees Emerson, who has previously played in Italy with Palermo and Roma, as a suitable replacement.
From West Ham’s perspective, holding on to Emerson might seem ideal. However, through the lens of Tim Steidten’s new transfer strategy, selling Emerson could make sense. Emerson is a depreciating asset who will soon turn 30. Although he had an excellent spell in the second half of the 2022/23 season, helping West Ham stay up and win the Europa Conference League, his performance has been inconsistent.
Steidten’s strategy focuses on building the team around young, exciting players, as evidenced by the recent signing of Luis Guilherme. Steidten even promised Guilherme that he would be surrounded by young talent. Given this approach, West Ham might consider selling Emerson for a decent fee and reinvesting in a younger left-back who could serve the club for the next four to five years. Interest in players like Sessegnon and Miranda aligns with this plan, especially since Cresswell has been retained for another season.
Previously, West Ham might have worried about the impact of Emerson’s departure on Paqueta, considering their close relationship. However, with Paqueta’s uncertain future—either potentially being sold or facing a ban if he doesn’t beat the case against him—this concern is less pressing for the Hammers.
