West Ham make contact over Ryan Sessegnon signing after he leaves Spurs

Ryan Sessegnon in action for Spurs, where he was restricted to 38 league appearances across five seasons. Photograph: David Klein/Reuters

West Ham are mulling over whether to push ahead with a move for the former Tottenham left-back Ryan Sessegnon on a free transfer.

Sessegnon, a free agent after being released by Spurs, is looking for a new opportunity after a difficult spell with injuries. Fulham are interested in a reunion with the 24-year-old and there has also been initial contact from the Hammers.

Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s new head coach, is keen to bring in competition for Emerson Palmieri at left-back. Aaron Cresswell, Emerson’s deputy, was a bit-part player last season and there is a view that Sessegnon could be a bargain.

Sessegnon, who is also capable of playing as a wing-back or left winger, was rated as one of the best young players in England when he left Fulham for Spurs in 2019. But he struggled to settle at Tottenham, in part because of fitness problems. Sessegnon made 38 league appearances in his five years at Spurs and featured in only one game after hamstring surgery last season.

West Ham would need to be convinced that Sessegnon, who played a role in Spurs qualifying for the Champions League under Antonio Conte in 2022, would be over his injury problems. Signing him would boost West Ham’s homegrown quota.