In a departure from the norm, West Ham United are banging the drum about a player they believe can be a first team star in the near future.
West Ham are currently weighing up a move for a veteran free agent centre-back.
The likes of Joel Matip continue to be linked as fellow reported targets Mario Hermoso and Mats Hummels close on moves to Roma.
Julen Lopetegui has stated he wants three senior players for every position in his squad.
But the departures of Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerd have left West Ham with three in one of the most crucial positions in the team.
The Hammers have the rest of the international break to bring someone in.
Final squads of up to 25 senior players must be submitted to the Premier League by September 14th.
West Ham have currently filled 23 of those 25 slots.
Hammers weigh up signing a veteran defender on a free
The search for an experienced centre-back has seen some question why the club are not looking to promote youth instead to the fourth-choice centre-back role.
Especially given West Ham are the self-styled Academy of Football.
It has been claimed young defender Kaelan Casey could be in line to be promoted to that role.
But another emerging talent may just leapfrog him if the club’s big billing is anything to go by.
Because West Ham have told fans to be very excited about a rising star who is now one step from the first team.
Usually football clubs try to protect their young players from too much limelight and publicity.
That is natural and sensible so as not to pile unnecessary pressure or spotlight on them while they are developing.
It is clear, though, that West Ham feel they could have a top class centre-back on their hands.
West Ham tell fans to be very excited about Ezra Mayers
The Hammers have published a feature on rising young star Ezra Mayers.
And they’re not shy in waxing lyrical about the 17-year-old central defender, who has been so good he’s promoted to the Under 21s.
West Ham described Mayers as ‘one of West Ham United Academy’s most exciting prospects’.
The club also states he is ‘fearless and dependable in the heart of the defence’.
Given the centre-back situation in the first team, it could well be West Ham fans might see young Mayers’ name in the squad sooner than rather than later.
Particularly if nobody arrives on a free signing in the next week or so.
“One of West Ham United Academy’s most exciting prospects, Ezra Mayers is fully embracing his transition from the U18s to the U21 set-up,” West Ham have said of the rising star.
“His record with the U18s last season speaks for itself. Fearless and dependable at the heart of defence, Mayers’ first season as a scholar was one to remember.
“Playing almost every minute of West Ham’s first 20 league games, Mayers and his teammates were on course to defend the Premier League South title.
Rising star now one step from West Ham first team squad
“However, an injury to U21s centre-back Luizão would see the 17-year-old get a well-earned shot at competing in the higher age groups. Making his Premier League 2 debut as a first-half substitute against Derby County at the start of April, Mayers would play every minute of the U21s remaining games. Partnering up with Kaelan Casey and Michael Forbes at the heart of defence, Mayers helped the U21s reach the quarter finals of the Premier League 2 Play-Offs.”
If some West Ham fans think they have heard the name before, it’s because Mayers signed his first professional contract days after turning 17 and collected the 2023/24 Dylan Tombides Award and Doris Bell Trophy on the London Stadium pitch at the end of last season.
Mayers himself is not hiding his ambitions, he wants to prove himself in the Under 21s and earn a spot in Lopetegui’s first team squad.
“This year I want to develop my communication on the pitch,” Mayers said.
“For the U18s, I was one of the loudest, whereas with the U21s I’m still finding my feet. I want to bring the same energy and clarity into my new team. That’s the next step for me.
“Sometimes, because the games are much faster, I’m thinking about my own game, rather than helping other players with their positioning, but that’s something that will come with more experience in the U21s. I can’t wait for the new season!”