Making a big leap up the footballing pyramid.
According to a report in The Telegraph, West Ham United and Manchester City are just two of the clubs, amongst others, that are both locked in a battle to try and sign eighth-tier Whyteleafe FC’s Courtney Clarke. The 17-year-old has reportedly been dubbed the next Patrick Vieira because of his box-to-box performances, so if he can recreate some form anywhere close to that, then we might be on for a winner.
This would clearly be a deal that is focusing more than likely looking towards the future of the club, which there’s nothing wrong with, the more quality young players you have coming through the ranks, the better. But of course, if Reece Oxford could make his debut aged 16, then who knows what the near future might hold for him.
I just don’t know if we should really be focusing any of our attention on players like this right now, especially given what is happening on and off the pitch at the club right now. Whilst talking about the future of the club, we need to make sure that we have a solid and sustainable future to be able to offer someone like him.
How much will West Ham spend this summer?
More than £50m
Less than £50m
And right now, I don’t think we’re anywhere close to the mark on that front.
So before the club starts to think about trying to find ‘gems’ from non-league, we really need to start thinking about how we can make the team that’s currently in the Premier League a lot more competitive.
If, and only if we manage to do that, then we can go back to trying to bring Clarke, or anyone of that nature on board.
