Graham Potter and Maxime Esteve West Ham.
(Credit: Imago)
Dan Godfrey
Sun 16 March 2025 7:40, UK
West Ham United have endured difficulties defensively throughout this season, despite last summer’s investment into the squad.
The Hammers have kept just six clean sheets in 29 Premier League games so far this term, a far cry from what some on the board will have expected when supplying a nine-figure sum to bring in new players some months ago.
Graham Potter’s men were pegged back late on against Everton on Saturday (15 March), having been on the cusp of another away win and clean sheet, and could now be eyeing further defensive reinforcements.
Potter and his side were close to all three points at Goodison Park (Credit: Imago)
West Ham step up Esteve pursuit amid Serie A news
West Ham remain in the chase to sign Burnley defender Maxime Esteve this summer, according to Alan Nixon.
Nixon claimed in The Sun on Sunday’s print edition [16 March, pg 55] that the Irons – alongside Saturday’s opponents Everton – have maintained an interest in bringing Esteve back to the Premier League, where he initially joined Burnley in February 2024.
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And in a new twist from abroad, AC Milan currently appear frontrunners for Esteve’s signature, with the Serie A giants joining West Ham and Everton in sending scouts to watch the Frenchman in the Clarets’ recent midweek hosting of West Bromwich Albion in the Championship.
Burnley have incredibly conceded just 11 goals in 38 Championship games this season with Esteve at the heart of ex-Hammer Scott Parker’s defence, keeping 27 clean sheets and making the world take notice of their backline.
Potter could convince David Sullivan to splurge for former West Ham target Esteve, who has represented France’s Olympic squad and could be on the expensive side given he is still just 22, and has a contract at Turf Moor until 2029.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan
David Sullivan will want to see progress next season (Credit: Imago)
Potter wants to strengthen defence
In fairness to Potter, the West Ham defence certainly look levels above their performances under Julen Lopetegui prior to his winter sacking.
There is at least an organisation present and a feeling the team are signing from the same hymn sheet – under the previous head coach, it looked utterly fragmented and reflected in some kamikaze defensive performances.
West Ham have a free run at the rest of the season as Potter, the board and his backroom staff are able to start early their plans for the summer, ensuring the underwhelming campaign does not have to happen again on his watch.
Championship clean sheets 2024-25 Total
1 Burnley 27
2 Leeds United 21
3 Sheffield United 19
4 Sunderland 14
5 Blackburn Rovers 13
6 Millwall 13
Burnley lead the way for Championship clean sheets in 2024-25
While the agonising late equaliser concession at Everton was a gut-wrencher for the travelling support, a draw in their final visit to Goodison Park is not such a bad result considering the eight-game unbeaten run of the Toffees under fondly-remembered former Hammers boss David Moyes.
Potter wants a stronger defence for next season, upon which West Ham can build and dedicate more time to the creative and exciting side of their game going forward.
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