Deadline day saw us frantically, but unsuccessfully, trying to bolster our defensive ranks. With Carl Jenkinson only on loan and Winston Reid’s future tipping precariously towards the exit door, I will evaluate what we need to do in order to have a strong back line next year.
On deadline day, we were linked with a plethora of names although they all failed to materialise. Younes Kaboul, Doria, Sylvain Distin, Kara Mbodj and Nemanja Vidic were all thought to be targeted by us as we left our business too late to secure a new arrival. This had West Ham fans sweating at the thought of resigning Roger Johnson – who had just been released from Championship outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers. Thankfully Charlton snapped up the man dubbed ‘The Relegator’ to spare us the embarrassment. Since deadline day, rumours have linked us with free agent Joseph Yobo, but we would do well to ignore him and focus on recruiting next summer instead.
I’ll start the evaluation by looking at what could arguably be our strongest position next season: left back. Aaron Cresswell joined us for a bargain price considering what Southampton and Manchester United have paid for Ryan Bertrand and Luke Shaw respectively. His performances have been assured and he has been one of our top performers this season, even netting our winner against Newcastle. He should maintain his place at left back with new signing Stephen Hendrie as his deputy.
He will join us in the summer from Hamilton Academical having signed a pre-contract agreement. The 20 year-old already has more than 100 senior appearances for Hamilton and is a regular starter in Scotland’s under-21 squad. Our third left back, Dan Potts, looks set for a spell on loan at Championship strugglers Blackpool and it seems that if his performances do not stand out there, he might well be on his way out of the club following Hendrie’s imminent arrival.
Now over to right back – we might struggle here next year unless we are wise in the transfer window. Both Guy Demel and Joey O’Brien are no longer good enough to be Premier League starters and our first-choice right back Carl Jenkinson will return to his parent club Arsenal. He is, however, below Debuchy, Chambers and Bellerin in their pecking order so we might be able to get him on the cheap. Paper talk suggests we need to pay roughly £12m for him which would not be feasible but if we could negotiate a good deal, then he is definitely worth buying on a long-term deal. If we fail to sign him, then we could look at Burnley’s Kieran Trippier – if they get relegated.
Finally, we will look at the heart of our defence. James Collins and James Tomkins should remain at the club and they are both capable performers. But Collins will be 32 at the start of next season and both are susceptible to injury which could leave us light at the back if Reid decides to jump ship.
Many of us would be disappointed to see Reid leave as he has been a consistent stand-out performer for the club over the past few years. We do not know yet how good new signing Doneil Henry will be in the Premier League but he has been considered as one for the future so we may want to strengthen in this position. Youngsters Reece Burke and Reece Oxford are considered talented prospects but not yet
ready for the first team. Kara Mbodj seems to be our number one target this summer having failed to negotiate a deal for him in January. The other name on our list is Micah Richards; if we can get him for a good price he might be a useful signing as he can play at right back too.
In reflection of the above, I do not think we should worry too much about our defence for next year and if we can permanently snap up Jenkinson and tie Winston Reid down to a new contract then we barely need to strengthen at all.
