Why Courtney Clarke could be a good future signing for West Ham
According to The Telegraph (h/t The Sun), West Ham and Man City are among Premier League clubs currently running the rule over young midfielder Courtney Clarke.
Clarke, who currently plies his trade with Croydon-based non-league outfit Whyteleafe FC in the Isthmian League, has also attracted interest from Brighton, Millwall and Charlton. (The Telegraph h/t Sun)
As per the report, the 17-year-old has drawn comparisons with French legend Patrick Vieira for his marauding box-to-box style as a midfielder. He caught the eye after featuring regularly for Whyteleafe’s senior team last season and West Ham have identified Clarke as an option to bolster their U-23 ranks this summer.
West Ham have already raised some decent cash from the sales of Grady Diangana, Albian Ajeti, and Jordan Hugill in the transfer window, but are yet to make any new signings.
A permanent deal for last season’s loanee Tomas Soucek has been agreed, and the fans will be hoping for the club to bring in some significant reinforcements at both ends of the pitch before the October deadline.
Indeed, it goes without saying that West Ham need to improve their squad significantly this summer after barely escaping relegation last time around. The Hammers, though, should also focus on building a strong platform for the future.
The East Londoners already have some top-quality prospects like Conor Coventry, Nathan Holland, and Josh Cullen among others trying to make a name for themselves in the first-team. Courtney Clarke is still several miles behind in terms of development but he could well be a future star in the making.
To put things into perspective, West Ham need to unearth a few gems to keep progressing in the right direction and the Hammers’ links with Clarke is a clear indication that the club have one eye on the future. That he is already rubbing shoulders with the senior pros clearly hints at a level of maturity that belies his tender years.
A potential move to West Ham would represent a giant step up for a 17-year-old who is currently playing in the eight-tier of English football. Hence, the Hammers would be better off looking at him as a good long-term investment rather than someone who could make an instant impact in the top-flight.
Read more
- Why West ham should keep hold of Arthur Masuaku
- Why West Ham should make a move for Mykola Matviyenko
Verdict
It’s hard to predict whether Courtney Clarke would be able to make the grade at a Premier League club moving forward in his career. However, with several years still left in his developmental phase at 17, it wouldn’t be a bad idea for West Ham to take a punt on the non-league sensation.
Clarke’s comparisons with Patrick Vieira might be a bit too far-fetched at the moment, but West Ham would have a real gem on their hands if the teenager manages to reach even half of the Frenchman’s level.
