West Ham Under 21 star Pierre Ekwah is set to depart the club on loan with many clubs vying for his signature, as reported [2 December].
Ekwah is a highly-rated defensive midfielder and a “huge prospect” at the club. He joined the Hammers from Chelsea back in the summer of 2021, and “caused a stir” at the club after producing some excellent displays in pre-season with the first team
There are expectations that he could follow in the footsteps of Declan Rice at the London club, but it appears that he could leave the club on a short-term deal in January.
A host of clubs have registered an interest, including clubs from abroad, to sign him on loan, but the Hammers are careful as they want to make sure that the youngster will get regular game time which is important for his development.
Huge talent
Ex told on The West Ham Way Podcast [November 28] that the 20-year-old midfielder will be given a chance to seek regular first-team football to help his progress.
Probably, it gives an indication that David Moyes wants to sign a new midfielder in the January window.
The midfield is one area that needs bolstering in January, with the club heavily dependent on Rice. It will be too risky to integrate Ekwah into the senior squad at the moment, with the Hammers struggling badly in the league.
He could be given chances in the Europa Conference League, but having qualified to the knockout stages, Moyes probably will now look to field a strong team and win the competition.
A loan move, therefore, is ideal for his development, and the Hammers must be very clear about his playing time. He is a massive talent and any disruption in his progress could be a blow for the player and the club as well.
Rice is likely to leave the club next summer, but the Hammers could have their next big star coming up who could fill his void in the future.
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