By Sam Stone

27th Oct, 2022 | 10:09am

View: West Ham contract situation may have Premier League clubs eyeing Emmanuel Longelo

West Ham loanee Emmanuel Longelo has enjoyed an excellent start to his loan spell with Birmingham City having played the full 90 minutes in the Blues’ last six matches.

The 21-year-old left-back has been a hit amongst the St Andrew’s faithful and will be attracting attention from elsewhere due to his performances.

The defender has been acting predominantly in a more advanced wingback role for John Eustace’s side and has shown he is a well-balanced wide man who is responsible defensively but also a threat going forward.

As per Wyscout, Longelo wins 63 per cent of his defensive duels which is considered well above average. Going forward Longelo is carrying the ball over 30 meters over three times a game (progressive run) along with amassing five dribbles and three crosses on average.

For Eustace’s men, he is thriving in a more advanced role, which has become the norm for most full-backs in the modern game.

Attention will rise when it comes to Longelo due to his contract situation at West Ham United and the current performance levels he is producing.

His current deal comes to a close in the summer of 2023, with the Hammers yet to discuss new terms with the fullback. If he continues to maintain the levels he has shown in the Championship, then it would not be a surprise to see Premier League clubs queuing up for the youngster.

A player who has thrived in the second tier, is only 21, and is out of contract in the summer is certainly an attractive proposition for any side looking to add a progressive, modern full-back to their ranks.

In other Football Wonderkids news, Josh McPake’s latest performance should send a reminder to the club