Following an impressive season with Bristol City, on loan from West Ham United, George Earthy is reportedly being highlighted in Graham Potter’s squad as a candidate for Premier League involvement.
As opposed to another spell in the Championship next season, the former Chelsea head coach has called Earthy up to the first team’s pre-season tour in Germany this week. A further expectation of involvement in the Premier League Summer Series later this month could also see the 21-year-old earn important minutes for the Hammers.
The Evening Standard has claimed that the Robins’ star from last campaign will be handed this opportunity alongside Freddie Potts – who spent last season on loan with fellow second division side, Portsmouth.
In 40 appearances across all competitions last season, the West Ham loanee contributed one assist and three goals. A 39-outing Championship campaign saw the young Englishman feature heavily for City as they achieved a sixth-placed finish, missing out on promotion due to a Sheffield United battering in the play-off semi-finals.
Prior to this important, professional experience away from East London, Earthy had featured just four times for the Hammers. Three Premier League endeavours, including one goal in the top-flight, had been the only involvement for his parent club until now. An appearance in the Europa League has given the versatile midfielder a slither of European experience too.
Despite only amassing a total of 31 minutes for West Ham in the 2023/24 league season, Earthy is being given another chance – under Potter this time. Bristol City are yet to replace the midfielder’s vacancy in their squad, while the Hammers’ only summer business has been a triggered clause to make Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan deal permanent.
Writer’s View
Earthy has displayed his talent in a very competitive second division. The 21-year-old was at the centre of everything creative in the Robins’ attacking midfield area. Despite registering just four goal involvements over the league season, underlying, quality performances helped amplify team cohesion and give a general strength to City’s lineup.
West Ham are correct to want to take a punt on Earthy following his encouraging early development. However, a move to a leading Championship side – on a year-long basis – could have been the perfect next step without rushing or stunting his growth.
There is no doubt about Earthy’s quality, however he is still a raw talent. Mohammed Kudus’ move to Tottenham Hotspur opens up a potential vacancy in the midfield hierarchy, but Lucas Paquetá and James Ward-Prowse are vastly experienced in the number ten role (should that be Earthy’s chosen position).
