Josh Landers Loan Deal: Josh Landers looks set to leave West Ham United on a season-long loan after Nuno Espírito Santo completed his assessment of the squad during pre-season. An original report from The72, later carried by the Daily Record and Claret & Hugh, states that the teenage striker has emerged as the next player expected to head out as the Hammers reshape their squad following relegation to the Championship.
Josh Landers Loan Deal gathers pace after West Ham decision
Several clubs have already stepped forward. St Mirren and Livingston showed early interest from Scotland, while Cheltenham Town, Southend United and Ayr United have now joined the chase. Cheltenham’s place in League Two offers a tougher weekly test than Landers faced during his previous spell away from East London, making that route particularly attractive from West Ham’s point of view.
Summer business has already thinned the squad. Crysencio Summerville, Edimilson Fernandes and academy graduate Freddie Potts have departed permanently, while Callum Marshall has completed his switch to Luton Town. Landers now appears next in line as Nuno continues trimming the squad before focusing on further arrivals.
Why the Josh Landers Loan Deal makes football sense
Landers enjoyed a productive 2025/26 campaign at academy level. The 19-year-old scored nine goals in 30 appearances across all youth competitions, including seven goals and one assist in 20 Premier League 2 matches across 1,025 minutes.
That form earned him a loan to Boreham Wood. Senior football proved far less forgiving. He made nine National League appearances, scored once and gained valuable experience as Boreham Wood reached the play-off final. Those matches highlighted the physical demands that young forwards must handle before pushing for regular Championship football.
West Ham should back the Josh Landers Loan Deal
A loan is the sensible route because Landers needs matches rather than occasional appearances. Keeping him with the Under-21s offers little fresh development, while leaving him on the Championship bench would slow his progress during a crucial stage of his career.
Scottish Premiership football could provide an ideal bridge. St Mirren and Livingston would expose him to a quicker, more physical environment, while Cheltenham presents another strong option through regular League Two minutes. Every week would demand sharper movement, stronger hold-up play and better decision-making under pressure.
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West Ham’s transfer plans strengthen the argument. The club continue to search for experienced attacking options, with AZ Alkmaar striker Troy Parrott widely linked as a priority target. That leaves very little room for an emerging centre-forward. Competitive football, regular starts and sustained exposure against seasoned defenders offer far greater value for Landers than waiting for limited opportunities at the London Stadium.
