Why West Ham United should reignite their interest in Stefan Lainer

According to Daily Express, West Ham were linked with signing right-back Stefan Lainer during the winter transfer window last season.

However, the London club failed to bring the 27-year-old to the London Stadium and he joined Borussia Mönchengladbach at the beginning of the season.

The Austrian signed a five-year deal with the German club and has been impressive in his first season with Monchengladbach.

He has featured in all nine Bundesliga games so far, scoring a goal and providing two assists, helping them secure a spot at the top of the table. He has also played in all three Europa League games this term.

According to WhoScored, crossing is one of Stefan Lainer’s strengths and he produces an average of 1.4 crosses per game. He scored a goal and an assist in the Bundesliga last season.

Ryan Fredericks has started in all but one Premier League game this season, however, he has provided just one assist. The Hammers have conceded 13 goals and have kept just three clean sheets.

His performances led the former Manchester City coach to turn toward the ageing Pablo Zabaleta, whom the Hammers re-signed on a one-year deal. Zabaleta is 34 and his ripe age means he is not a long-term solution.

The Hammers clearly lack proper backup and competition in the right-back position.

Bringing in a talented full-back will impact the team’s mentality, as we have already seen in the case of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson at Liverpool.

Once Lainer adapts to the Premier League environment, he could be an asset to this West Ham side as his quality is evident from the statistics (WhoScored).