Are Hammers lining up Paquetas’ replacement with ‘The new Messi’
West Ham are reportedly keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon’s Marcus Edwards, according to various news reports. The former Tottenham player has notched up three goals and four assists this season, building on an impressive record of 12 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.
Londoner Edwards possesses exceptional technique and dribbling skills, coupled with excellent set-piece ability. Don’t be fooled into a comparison with James Ward-Prowse though. Edwards is far more likely to be a potential replacement for Lucas Paqueta at the London Stadium.
Having emerged from Tottenham’s youth academy, the 24-year-old made his senior debut in 2016 and received praise from then-manager Mauricio Pochettino, who likened him to Messi. Poch would later go on to dilute that statement following concerns over the players development.
Despite limited appearances in the Spurs first team, Edwards crafted a successful career in the Netherlands and Portugal. West Ham’s scouts attended the recent Sporting vs. Benfica match in Portugal, and local outlets are now reporting the club’s interest in the talented player.
Since joining Lisbon, Edwards has become a key player for Sporting. He twisted the dagger on his former employers by scoring on his return to Tottenham last season in a 1-1 draw in the Champions League group stage.
Hammers have competition for ‘the new Messi’
Tottenham hold a sell-on fee for Edwards if Sporting decide to move him on. However, a portion of this clause was reportedly waived during negotiations for Pedro Porro’s signing in January. Despite this, the two clubs maintain a positive relationship after successfully concluding a deal for the right-back at the end of that transfer window.
In a curious turn of events, there are suggestions that Tottenham might contemplate bringing Edwards back to the club. Like West Ham, it’s believed they also had scouts in attendance to watch him . . . one would have assumed they know all they need to about the player by now.