As they try to implement Julen Lopetegui’s new possession-based style of football in time for the Premier League campaign to begin, West Ham has only managed one victory in their first four preseason games.

In the four games, the Hammers have given up eight goals, three to Crystal Palace and one each to Wolves. Even with Max Kilman’s acquisition, they might still need more defensive reinforcements.

Though such conversations appear to have reached a standstill at the moment, both right and left full-backs—the most notable being Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Manchester United—have been linked to moves to West Ham.

West Ham’s hunt for a new full-back

The Monaco left-back Caio Henrique has been the subject of inquiry in recent weeks, and sources from UOL via Sport Witness indicate that West Ham is interested in the player.

The source also claims that Nottingham Forest is interested in the 27-year-old Brazilian full-back, but that the Hammers and Forest have not made any approaches and are only “simply monitoring” the player’s situation.

Despite missing 212 days due to a ruptured cruciate ligament, Henrique managed to make nine appearances for Monaco during the previous campaign and contributed five assists in 625 minutes played for the French team.

Henrique and Summerville linkup

Crysencio Summerville, the Championship POTY and former Leeds winger, is one of West Ham’s most intriguing new additions this summer. coming in off an incredible season in which the 22-year-old made 49 appearances in all competitions, tallying 3,892 minutes, 10 assists, and 21 goals.

The current left flank partner for Summerville, Emerson, is coming off of his best season at the club, with two assists, one goal, and eight clean sheets in 47 appearances. Of course, the supporting cast must be strong to bring out the best in Summerville.

Compared to Emerson, Henrique offers that added talent up front, finishing in the top 1% of left full-back assists in the top five European leagues with 0.72 assists per 90.

Play that sets up a shot is referred to as shot-creating play. They include plays like passes, takeaways, and fouls called.

In addition, the 27-year-old delivers more progressive passing, which would enable Summerville to get the ball more frequently in advanced areas.

Nonetheless, Emerson’s defensive statistics are superior to Henrique’s, averaging 3.04 tackles per 90, 1.19 interceptions per 90, and 1.35 blocks per 90. That being said, having both of these offensive defenders would provide Lopetegui a tonne of choices depending on the calibre of the opposition and excellent rotation.

With Henrique joining Summerville, the team might have one of the league’s most potent and aggressive left halves.

The combination of Summerville’s 6.02 and Henrique’s 3.62 shot-creating actions per 90 should open up a tonne of opportunities for players like Mohammed Kudus, Jarrod Bowen, and recently signed Niclas Füllkrug.