Why Adam Smith could solve West Ham’s right-back conundrum
According to The Telegraph, West Ham are interested in signing Bournemouth right-back Adam Smith as they look to shore up the right-back position. West Ham have also been found chasing a lot of other defensive targets such as Bernardo Fernandez, Gonzalo Montiel, and Rico Henry.
The Englishman was a regular fixture for the Cherries last season but unfortunately ended up getting relegated in the end as Bournemouth ended their 5-year-stay in the English top-flight.
Profile
Adam Smith is a 29-year-old English right-back who plays for Bournemouth. He started his senior career at Tottenham in 2008. A procession of loan moves followed from 2009 to 2014 to clubs such as Wycombe Wanderers, MK Dons, Bournemouth, Millwall, Derby County etc.
In 2014, Bournemouth brought him back to the club on a permanent transfer and since then he has made 238 appearances for them while scoring 6 goals and making 20 assists (source – Transfermarkt). A useful player who can also fill in at left-back and at right midfield, he has been a solid servant for the club.
Do West Ham need Adam Smith?
West Ham are stretched a bit thin in defence as the club are looking at various defensive targets. Ben Johnson was expected to be starting the season at right-back but his injury in pre-season has David Moyes scratching his head.
Ryan Fredericks doesn’t seem like he has the trust of Moyes, which makes the signing of another right-sided defender a priority for the club. Adam Smith can be a useful temporary solution to this problem. Capable of playing in multiple positions, he can be one answer to a lot of questions that West ham have.
Verdict
Adam Smith can be a smart option that West Ham should look more closely at. He comes with bags of experience in the Premier League, which will come in handy. Someone like Ben Johnson, especially, could benefit from his presence before he can fully take over the role.
Read more
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However, the biggest problem would be to convince Bournemouth into a sale. The new season starts in a short time and the money influx resulting from the departures of Nathan Ake and Ramsdale, means that Bournemouth really don’t feel the need to sell anyone, especially someone as important as Smith, who has been at the club for so long.
It might take a lot of convincing on West Ham’s part if they want to make this transfer possible.
