Fulham can bolster their squad by signing Kai Wagner in January

Football FanCast

By Jimmy Moorhouse

Published Nov 18, 2020

Fulham and West Ham have both been linked with a move for Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner recently, and the Cottagers must ensure that they are the ones to complete his bargain signing.

Tony Khan can give Scott Parker's side a big boost by securing a deal for Philadelphia Union left-back Kai Wagner in January, although the Cottagers will have to see off competition from West Ham if they are to complete his signing.

It has been reported by the Daily Mail recently that the West London club, along with the Hammers, are weighing up whether to make an offer for the German defender in the upcoming January transfer window.

The 23-year-old, described as a 'revelation' in an article by The Athletic in 2019, has impressed with his performances in the MLS in recent seasons, with the defender contributing six assists in 32 appearances in 2019, earning a solid 6.8/10 rating (per WhoScored).

Across 2020 meanwhile, the former Schalke man has scored twice and assisted twice across just 20 appearances, whilst his average rating is much improved (per WhoScored).

Therefore, it is perhaps no surprise that Premier League sides are taking an interest in the youngster ahead of the winter transfer window, and with the report suggesting that he could be available for as little as £3.5 million, he could represent a bargain deal for Fulham.

Parker's side already signed fellow left-back Antonee Robinson from Wigan Athletic in the summer transfer window and the American has impressed in his Premier League appearances thus far, averaging a solid 6.94 rating from his five appearances in the top-flight.

The Cottagers also have Joe Bryan available as a left-back, and the former Bristol City man has also done fairly well following Fulham's promotion, having averaged a solid 6.62 rating from his five appearances in the Premier League.

However, squad depth can be hugely important for a Premier League side, especially one such as Fulham who are arguably in a relegation fight this season, and should either one of Robinson or Bryan suffer an injury, then having Wagner available to fill-in would be of great benefit to Parker.

The Philadelphia Union manager Jim Curtin was full of praise for the German earlier this year, as following a 1-0 win over New England, he lauded both of his full-backs, saying:

“I thought the play, in particular, of our outside backs defensively was excellent, whether it was making a tackle, a big block or a clearance. I think sometimes we just expect them to be solid every game. It’s a time where I can single them out and give them a little bit of praise." (per Fox PHL) Therefore, it seems as if it is only a matter of time until Wagner earns himself a move away from the MLS, and considering how cheap he is seemingly available for, Khan should hopefully be working hard to ensure that he moves to the West part of London, rather than joining David Moyes' side.