Earlier this week, West Ham snatched up the 19-year old Thierry Nevers from Reading FC. As he joins the Academy, we look at how soon he will break out.
The English-born forward comes to West Ham United after scoring nine goals during the Premier League 2 season. During his 25 appearances, he also netted one against his now current club. According to West Ham officials, Nevers has signed a three-year deal with an option for a fourth; this is coming after nine years with the Royals.
In an interview with the club, he stated, “This move is probably the biggest step in my career so far. I feel very excited to see what the future holds.” This move adds another promising forward to the mix for the future Hammers. Nevers traditionally has been played on the left-wing but can comfortably play up the middle as well.
"This move is probably the biggest step in my career so far. I feel very excited to see what the future holds."
Ricky Martin, the club’s Academy Manager, stated: “I’m excited to wish Thierry a warm welcome to West Ham United. Thierry is someone that we’ve been following for the last couple of seasons. He’s put in some awe-inspiring performances, and we’re excited to introduce him to the U23s squad.”
West Ham: Predicting when Thierry Nevers will break out
With the departure of Oladapo Afolayan, who completed a permanent move to Bolton, this will immediately open up a slot for Nevers to fill in. In a proverbial pecking order of left-wingers, it would be presumed that Nevers would fall in line behind the likes of Nathan Holland, but after that, it’s anyone’s guess as to how Martin will fit him into the U23 squad.
The youngster, who is only 19, has been playing Academy ball since the age of 10, so he’s certainly not naive to how the progression to the senior squad will work. However, when can we all expect him to get there?
West Ham has what you could call an overabundance of wingers on the club. The likes of Fornals, Beni, Lanzini, and Felipe Anderson, who is coming off of a loan spell, can hold a stake to the left-wing. Holland, a veteran of the West Ham Academy, has been trying to make the jump up for several years now. So, with Nevers seemingly behind him, it could be some time.
With the “rebrand” to the Academy of Football, time could be exactly what he needs. The club has no real need to rush him up to the first team; therefore, he can grow and learn under the tutelage of Martin and Pottsy. The Europa League will take its toll on the club and David Moyes’ selections, so its very possible to see him play in the League Cup, but I think a 2022/23 timeline is a prefect Segway to continue his career.