WUERZBURG, GERMANY - JULY 20: Kai Wagner of Wuerzburger Kickers poses during the team presentation at flyeralarm Arena on July 20, 2018 in Wuerzburg, Germany. (Photo by Sebastian Widmann/Bongarts/Getty Images)
According to Daily Mail, West Ham have inquired about Kai Wagner of Philadelphia Union. The German has been impressive in the MLS and that has attracted the attention of a few clubs. A January offer could be on the cards too. Fulham are the other club to have shown interest.
Kai Wagner is a 23-year-old German left-back who plays for MLS side Philadelphia Union. He started his youth career at SV Lonsee in 2001 and spent eight years in their academy. Then he switched to SSV Ulm 1846 and continued his progress.
While he was in their U-19 side, he signed for Augsburg’s U-19 side but returned to SSV Ulm after six months. He made 34 appearances for them over the next season before being signed by Schalke. Although he didn’t get a chance to play for the senior side, he did play a lot for their reserves.
In 2017, he was signed by Wurzburger Kickers and spent two seasons there. Post that he decided to move continents and try his luck in the MLS. He has settled in well at the club. So far, he has made 49 appearances for them, scoring once and assisting 8 (source – Transfermarkt).
West Ham have had a better start to the season compared to previous ones. They have had a change in system and tactics where they switched to a back-five and that has yielded better results. Now with Cresswell playing as the left-sided center-back, the club only have Arthur Masuaku as the other left-back.
This is exactly where a player like Kai Wagner would come in handy. Capable of playing as an orthodox full-back as well as a wing-back, he would slot in seamlessly into the side. He is defensively adept but does often venture into the opposition half to provide that extra bit of width and help.
With the player valued at just around £3.5million, West Ham would be getting one of the best bargain deals. Since Moyes is keen on adding a player to that position, the club should try to make this deal happen in January. With other Premier League sides interested in the player they will surely need to act fast.