West Ham United have quite a few of their younger players out on loan this season. We would be remiss to forget them. But, how has all of their seasons been for them so far?
In the past, West Ham’s board has been scrutinized for their loan choices. This season it seems they have done better, much better. Long are the days of them just sending players out to get them off the books. Let’s see how the players are doing while away from East London.
Cullen
As expected, it turns out that Josh Cullen going out on loan again to Charlton Athletic was a great idea. This season the Republic of Ireland international has played in 16 matches for the Addicks while scoring once and getting an assist.
The keys to his season have been his solid set-piece taking abilities and his passing. Cullen has passed with well over 80% accuracy so far and proving a key piece in the clubs push for promotion just one season after getting to the Championship
Haksabanovic
When Sead Haksabanovic came to West Ham he came with a lot of excitement and potential. Since 2017 however, he has been unused and sent out on loan 2 different times. After a bad loan at Malaga, this season’s loan has seemed to be useful to the young winger.
While on loan in Sweden this season he has played 29 matches while scoring 6 times and assisting 8 and at the ripe young age of 20 is still considered a budding young winger in many eyes. His success, however, might come at a negative for the Hammers as there is potential for him to be sold to his current club. Either way, it has been a great spell for him.
Diangana
In 20 appearances for West Brom, this season Grady Diangana has been a lightning rod to the success of the club. Besides scoring and assisting 5 times a piece he has been a thorn down the backsides of many defensive backs leaving the West Ham world wanting more of the same next year.
Grady played a good bit last season but this was a great move by the club as he is now cherishing each and every moment in a league that might not be as competitive but is still extremely demanding.
Hugill
Much like Diangana, Jordan Hugill has been relishing his time in the EFL Championship. 23 matches with 8 goals and he is making his case for a strong return to the Hammers if they will have him. But can he perform this way in the EPL?
That question is still very much in the air as the sometimes considered flop has never made a home at the London Stadium, or just yet anyway. The board or what was Pellegrini’s staff made a solid choice on where to send him and it is paying dividends for his career and maybe West Ham’s.
Samuelsen
Ah yes, Martin Samuelsen. The once highly touted prospect that has spent loan after loan after loan since coming to West Ham. He has been on 6 different loan spells since arriving from Man City Academy in 2015.
This season, however, has been a bit of a rebirth for him. FK Haugesund in the Norwegian first division. There he has played in a total of 48 matches, all competitions, scoring 16 times and assisting 5 times as well. Like Haksabanovic, he might not be returning to the Hammers as his successes have made him a wanted man.
Trott
It is safe to say that between Nathan Trott and a few other solid youth players for the Hammers, the goalkeeper position is in “good hands” for years to come. Trott is finally getting his chance to play in a senior division and he is thriving.
He has featured in 20 League One matches this season and WhoScored.com has given him a rating, so far, of a 6.9. Yes, it might only be League One but AFC Wimbledon’s defense has left him high and dry in a more than few matches but he has still featured on a team of the week chart as well as winning man of the match 1 time. A great future surrounds this young keeper.
There is a certainty that at least 4 of these 6 players will return to West Ham next season but the uncertainty still lies as if they will get the playtime needed or if they will progress to the level needed for the EPL. Either way, solid loan choices and solid performances by the players out there.