Celtic news: Expert drops verdict on West Ham signing Cameron Carter-Vickers
West Ham signing Celtic defender Cameron Carter-Vickers this summer would be a “gamble” under new manager Julen Lopetegui.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie questioned whether Carter-Vickers would be able to play in Lopetegui’s system as he expects the Spanish boss to employ a high press.
Reports have suggested the Premier League club have shown an interest in signing the 26-year-old following his impressive performances for Celtic in recent years.
The USA international has made 115 appearances for the Scottish giants since making the loan move to Glasgow from Tottenham in 2021-22 before making the switch permanent at the end of that campaign.
West Ham are believed to be on the lookout for new defensive recruits after conceding 74 goals – the fourth-worst record in the Premier League last season.
West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui unlikely to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers
McAvennie believes Carter-Vickers is better than the current centre-back options Lopetegui has at his disposal after taking over from David Moyes at the London Stadium.
“I don’t know if he’s got the pace,” he told Football Insider.
“I think he’s been outstanding at Celtic.
“West Ham fans would love him because he gets his foot in and puts his head in. He’s better than what we’ve got, that’s for sure.
“I don’t want him to leave Celtic. But if he were to leave Celtic, would he go back to the Premier League? I don’t know.
“He never got a game at Spurs. He’s done magnificent at Celtic, but it would be a gamble for West Ham.
“Has he got the pace for the Premier League? If it was David Moyes, he would be alright because he sits back.
“But from what I hear, Lopetegui wants to be pressing, so they are going to be up the field. He’s not slow, but he isn’t the quickest in the world.
“If he were to leave Celtic, I wouldn’t mind him going to West Ham. But I don’t think he’ll leave Celtic.”
In other news, West Ham ‘more likely to sell’ Mohammed Kudus after source’s reveal
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