West Ham United have reportedly made a clear decision on their January transfer priorities, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tariq Lamptey unlikely to be among their targets.
Despite long-standing interest in the talented wing-back, former senior scout Mick Brown has shed light on the club’s stance, emphasizing that bolstering the right-back position is not a pressing need for the Hammers at this time.
Brown, who left West Ham alongside David Moyes earlier this year, remains closely connected with developments at the London Stadium. Speaking exclusively to a famous newspaper, he revealed that the arrival of Aaron Wan-Bissaka over the summer, combined with the continued presence of Vladimir Coufal, has provided West Ham with solid depth in the right-back role. “Unless something drastic happens, I don’t think they’ll go for him,” Brown explained, adding that other areas of the squad are likely to take precedence in the upcoming transfer window.
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The Lamptey Dilemma
The 24-year-old Lamptey has long been touted as a bright prospect since moving to Brighton from Chelsea in 2020. However, his career trajectory has been hindered by recurring muscle injuries, which have limited his impact on the Premier League stage. With his contract at Brighton set to expire at the end of the season, Lamptey is attracting interest from multiple clubs eager to secure his services on a free transfer.
Despite this, West Ham’s recruitment team appears to have cooled on the idea of pursuing the dynamic wing-back. According to different sources while Lamptey remains a player the club continues to monitor, a formal approach is unlikely unless unforeseen circumstances force a change in strategy.
Right-Back Options Well-Stocked
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival in East London this summer has significantly bolstered West Ham’s defensive options. The former Manchester United full-back has settled in quickly and provides a reliable presence on the right flank. Meanwhile, Vladimir Coufal, a fan favorite at the London Stadium, remains an integral part of the squad. Together, they offer depth and versatility, reducing the urgency to strengthen this position further.
Mick Brown highlighted the importance of prioritizing other areas of the squad. “They’re well-stocked at right-back with Wan-Bissaka and Coufal,” he said. “Between the two of them, they provide solid depth for the squad. I think it’s unlikely they’ll be looking at that position at the moment, at least not as a priority.”
Strategic Planning for January
West Ham’s focus in January is expected to shift to other key positions. While the specifics of their targets remain under wraps, it’s clear that the Hammers are adopting a measured approach to their recruitment strategy. Brown suggested that Lamptey’s availability hasn’t gone unnoticed but remains a secondary consideration. “I don’t doubt he’s one they’ve been looking at, though, as I’m sure many clubs have been given his contract situation at Brighton,” he said. “But I’d be surprised if they brought him in at this stage given what they’ve already got.”
A Future Without Lamptey?
For Lamptey, the situation at Brighton represents a crossroads in his career. With his contract running out and the club reportedly unlikely to offer an extension, his future in the Premier League hangs in the balance. While West Ham may not make a move, other clubs monitoring his situation could see him as an affordable addition with significant potential.
Building Toward the Future
West Ham’s current position reflects a club intent on building sustainably, rather than making reactionary signings. The recruitment team, informed by the insights of figures like Mick Brown, appears focused on addressing gaps in the squad rather than adding depth where it’s not immediately required.
This strategic planning could play a crucial role as the Hammers navigate the challenges of the Premier League and beyond. By focusing their resources on priority areas, they aim to strengthen their competitive standing while maintaining a balanced and cohesive squad.
For Lamptey, the next few months could define his career trajectory, but it seems increasingly likely that his future lies away from West Ham, barring a dramatic turn of events. The Hammers’ approach signals a commitment to thoughtful squad-building—a strategy that could pay dividends in the long term.
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