Earlier this week, news broke from Italy that Lazio boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on reuniting with West Ham United left-back Emerson Palmieri. The pair worked together at Chelsea.
The Hammers will likely allow Emerson’s departure. The 30-year-old has been a faithful servant but endured an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.
Emerson, who bagged two goals and an assist while helping to keep one clean sheet in 31 league appearances, is also entering the final year of his deal.
West Ham need to strengthen the left-back position if Emerson leaves this summer. Read on as we analyse three exciting defenders the Irons can sign to replace the Italian international.
Maxim De Cuyper (Club Brugge)
West Ham have been monitoring Club Brugge’s Joel Ordonez, Raphael Onyedika, and Ardon Jashari. The Irons need to add left-back Maxim De Cuyper to the wishlist.
De Cuyper played a key role in Club Brugge’s success this season, scoring three league goals and creating 23 (!) big chances.
He also helped his side keep 12 clean sheets in 37 Belgian Pro League outings.
De Cuyper provides attacking thrust down the left flank. Even though the Belgian can be defensively suspect, he is worth the punt for West Ham.
The Hammers need a creative spark, and perhaps the 24-year-old can be a weapon for breaking down opposition defences.
De Cuyper is also versatile enough to switch between a back four and five when needed, a quality West Ham manager Graham Potter will appreciate.
Felix Agu (Werder Bremen)
West Ham previously showed interest in Werder Bremen left-back Felix Agu, and the Hammers need to follow it up with an offer for the 25-year-old defender.
Agu is a defensively dogged customer, connoted by his 61% ground duels won.
He was dribbled past only 0.5 times per 90 (a crucial stat considering full-backs are always up against tricky wingers).
Agu clocked the eight-fastest speed in the Bundesliga, having reached a top speed of 36.31 kilometres per hour in one sprint. He also won three penalties, the most in the division.
The Germany-born Nigerian defender bagged three goals and created three big chances, showing he is no slouch in the attacking phase.
Agu could prove a top addition to the West Ham roster.
Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Ipswich Town Left-back/left-wing-back Leif Davis was relegated to the Championship with the Tractor Boys, but he showed enough to prompt an immediate return to the top flight.
West Ham should consider swooping for the services of the flying full-back. He would be a brilliant and cost-effective addition.
Davis, especially in the first half of the season, was a terrific asset for Ipswich Town.
He scored once and created 12 big chances in the Premier League. He has a wicked delivery from dead balls and live play.
Davis won 59% of his aerial and 53% of his ground duels in the league. The 25-year-old Englishman could do a fantastic job under Potter.
(Stats from Sofascore and Fbref)