Genk's Joakim Maehle Pedersen pictured during a soccer match between KRC Genk and KAS Eupen, Thursday 26 December 2019 in Genk, on day 21 of the 'Jupiler Pro League' Belgian soccer championship season 2019-2020. (Getty Images)
According to Ekstra Bladet (h/t Football.London) Danish defender Joakim Maehle has been linked with a move to West Ham United.
The 22-year-old right-back currently plies his trade for Belgian outfit Genk and was crucial to the side’s title-winning campaign last year. Maehle enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, scoring four goals and assisting 10 times from 54 matches across all competitions for Genk.
His consistent displays for the Genk made him a first-team regular within the side. He appeared in all their 30 league matches as Genk emerged Belgian top division champions.
Maehle has been impressive this season too, making 31 appearances in total and providing four assists, attracting an £11.5million bid from Southampton in January. Meanwhile, Saints’ rivals West Ham and Crystal Palace have now shown an interest in the young Dane, who is one of the key players in Hannes Wolf’s side.
West Ham, on the other hand, have struggled this season and are fighting for their survival in the Premier League. The Hammers are just two places adrift of the relegation zone, with a weak and inconsistent defence being one of the reasons for the side’s slip in rankings.
The David Moyes-led side have conceded as many as 50 goals from their 29 league games, raising serious concerns regarding West Ham’s strength at the back.
The Hammers started the season with their first-choice right-back Ryan Fredericks, who arrived from Fulham in 2018. However, poor form saw the Englishman lose his spot later in the season before being ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
Meanwhile, West Ham’s other right-back Pablo Zabaleta is already 35 and way past his prime. He just made 10 league appearances this term and is expected to leave the club, with his current contract set to expire this summer.
With both Fredericks and Zabaleta failing to impress, Moyes had to rely on the side’s reserve player, Jeremy Ngakia. He started four times on the right for West Ham, however, he is just 19 and has to develop further. Hence, West Ham are in dire need of an established right-back and Maehle looks like the perfect option.
A first-team regular with Genk, the Dane has already proved his credentials at the highest level in Belgium. Moreover, signing the consistent Maehle will also offer them some stability in the back ahead of next season.
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West Ham just have two right-backs in their side and both have been far from impressive. With the Hammers continuously struggling at the back, roping in a player like Maehle will boost their confidence. Thus, West Ham must continue their pursuit of the young full-back and land him soon.
