West Ham Opinion: Why Nathaniel Clyne will be a top addition for West Ham
According to a report in the Daily Post, West Ham are interested in signing Nathaniel Clyne from Liverpool in the summer transfer window.
Liverpool have named their price for the 28-year-old, as the right-back prepares for a permanent move away from Anfield following his loan spell at Bournemouth. The report claims the Reds will allow Nathaniel Clyne to leave at the end of the season and will want around £15million as transfer fee as the right-back will have just one year left on his contract in July.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has established himself as the first-choice right-back this season which saw Clyne leave Liverpool for Bournemouth in the January transfer window after recovering from a back problem. Since joining the Cherries, he has been a regular fixture in Eddie Howe’s starting XI by making the right-back spot his own.
With the 28-year-old showing there’s still a lot left to give in top-flight football, West Ham should definitely make a move for him in the summer.
West Ham need defensive reinforcements, with the right-back position a major area of concern. Pablo Zabaleta has been the club’s no.1 in that position but has shown signs of ageing. However, the Argentine is out of contract at the end of the season and it remains to be seen whether the right back will choose to stay at the London Stadium for another year.
Zabaleta’s deputy, Ryan Fredericks, has been hit and miss in his debut season with the Hammers. Truth to be told, Fredericks was given a torrid time by Eden Hazard in Chelsea’s 2-0 victory at Stamford Bridge on Monday. It has become clear that Manuel Pellegrini cannot rely upon Fredericks and 34-year-old Zabaleta if he is to challenge for trophies next season.
An upgrade on Zabaleta is the need of an hour and Clyne would be an ideal fit at the London Stadium. Quick and agile, Clyne is an attacking right-back who would be able to provide more nous to the West Ham attacks than Fredericks, who has not exactly lived up to the expectations of the fans under Pellegrini.
The 28-year-old is a good passer and crosser of the ball and is no slouch when it comes to defending. The ex-Southampton defender can turn defence into an attack in an instant and his overlapping runs make him a threat against any side.
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Furthermore, Clyne’s experience in the top-flight and reliability adds more value to his name.
Verdict
At 28, Clyne has entered the prime years of his career. West Ham do need an experienced right-back to replace Zabaleta and compete with Fredericks from next season, and Clyne does fit the bill perfectly.
