Joakim Maehle expresses regret following reported West Ham enquiry

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Genk defender Joakim Maehle has spoken of his frustration at not being granted an exit from the club, following reports West Ham United made an inquiry for him last month.

The Daily Star reported the Hammers had sought him out as a potential solution to their problem position of right-back, as well as Rasmus Kristensen.

Ryan Fredericks had been out injured with a hamstring injury, but returned recently against Brighton and may take some time to get back up to speed.

Veteran Pablo Zabaleta is the Irons’ other option at right-back, and it has been clear the two-time Premier League winner is past his best.

Ultimately West Ham took the decision not to sign cover, and Maehle has expressed his regret over his non-transfer to the English Premier League.

He said (Dezondag): “It is not surprising that [Sander] Berge and [Mbwana] Samatta are now also gone. We know the club’s strategy, it’s a good thing for everyone.

“That I had to stay was a disappointment, yes. I am ambitious, watched those beautiful foreign clubs pass by. We were champions, that does not work every year, perhaps this was the chance.”

TBR’s view – West Ham gamble

West Ham have taken a risk not bringing in cover at right-back.

Hopefully for them, Fredericks will be able to rediscover the form he showed earlier on in the season.

That’ll be important because Zabaleta has unfortunately been struggling with his playing career coming to an end.

The Argentine veteran really comes unstuck against pace, so realistically Fredericks needs to be playing every game in a league that is filled with rapid wingers.

Time will tell if Maehle’s non-transfer to the London Stadium will be costly or not, but if the club stay in the Premier League he is perhaps worth revisiting in the summer as a Zabaleta replacement.