West Ham United’s season has been marked by a mix of triumphs and setbacks, including notable victories over Manchester United and Arsenal, juxtaposed with challenging losses against Liverpool and Fulham. Nevertheless, the year has seen more positives than negatives, positioning David Moyes’ team in a commendable sixth place in the Premier League while also advancing to the next round of the Europa League.
Remarkably, these achievements have been realized despite the departure of their former captain and talisman, Declan Rice, who departed in the summer for a British record fee of £105 million. Although the replacements have performed admirably, the latest midfield prospect linked with the Hammers—Morten Frendrup—presents an enticing opportunity to potentially emulate Rice’s impact at the club and serve as an ideal partner for James Ward-Prowse.
According to reports from Italian outlet TuttoJuve, several Premier League clubs, including West Ham, are expressing interest in Genoa’s promising young midfielder, Frendrup. Crystal Palace is also purported to be among the suitors, with these English teams potentially proposing a transfer fee of around €10 million, approximately £9 million, during this window.
The 22-year-old Danish midfielder joined Genoa in January 2022 and, despite encountering initial challenges in securing regular playing time, has since become an indispensable asset. Frendrup amassed 37 appearances in Serie B last season and has already participated in 18 Serie A matches this year. Operating predominantly in central or defensive midfield roles, his performances have notably earned him the moniker of a “midfield destroyer” from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Ward-Prowse has been an integral figure, featuring in every Premier League game for West Ham this season, exhibiting his versatility as an attacking or central midfielder and contributing to nine goal involvements, establishing himself as one of the standout performers in the league. Therefore, the potential addition of Frendrup would likely complement the former Southampton captain, aligning well with his skill set.
Frendrup’s defensive prowess stands out, characterized by his adeptness in thwarting opposition attacks from the midfield position, akin to the role previously undertaken by Rice at the London Stadium. Notably, Frendrup has showcased a higher defensive activity than the Englishman in league play this season, registering more tackles made and won, as per data from FBref. Furthermore, when compared to West Ham’s regular defensive midfield options, Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek, Frendrup impressively outperforms them in key metrics, including tackles, tackles won, ball recoveries, progressive passes, and carries.
While potential concerns may arise in acquiring a younger player from outside the Premier League, the proposition of recruiting Frendrup seems a risk worth undertaking, given his promise and potential longevity in the team. If successful, this investment could yield dividends for West Ham for a decade or more, making it a compelling prospect for the club to pursue.