Upon starring in Fulham’s successful promotion to the Premier League last season, full-back Ryan Fredericks made the move across London to join West Ham on a free transfer.
The former England under-19 international had been sensational the season before for The Cottagers, and was seen to be the man to take over from ageing Pablo Zabaleta at the London Stadium.
With new manager Manuel Pellegrini, Fredericks’ electric pace looked as if it would suit the Chilean’s attacking brand of football.
Thus far, the defender’s career at West Ham hasn’t really taken off. He has played for The Hammers, but not extensively, particularly due to the good form of the 33-year-old Argentinian. He started in the club’s 4-0 demolition by Liverpool at the beginning of the season, and was shunned for the next few games, as The Irons made a poor start to the season.
Now at the age of 26, it’s not as if Fredericks is a young player that the club want to give game time and exposure to elsewhere. Therefore a loan deal does not really seem like the best option at the moment. This is particularly true as he is within touching distance of breaking through at West Ham, it just hasn’t come about yet.
He picked up an injury recently in a Premier League appearance against Huddersfield, which could curtail his progress at the club this season. However, when he is fit an firing, he is still definitely the man to take over from Zabaleta in defence for West Ham, it’s just a case of when.
