Leeds United defender Cody Drameh is the subject of reported interest from Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace – but if the right-back prefers to remain in England’s top tier, which could would be his best move?
Drameh, 20, returned from winning the Player of the Season award at Cardiff City in the summer. He only played for Cardiff for half the season, but he was given the award for the quality of his performances. He is now back at Leeds.
But the right-back has only played twice this season, one being in the Carabao Cup. He realistically, needs to leave the club with Rasmus Kristensen ahead of him. Graeme Bailey says seven clubs are interested in signing Drameh.
Among those are three Premier League clubs in the form of Newcastle, West Ham and Crystal Palace. So, if Drameh does choose to leave Leeds but wants to remain in the Premier League – which of the three clubs is his best move?
Drameh subject of interest: Which club would be his best move?
For Drameh at this stage of his career, he needs to be playing regularly – but at the highest level. In his spell at Cardiff he has already shown he is too good for the Championship. So, remaining in England’s top tier is his best move.
West Ham have numerous options at right-back. Thilo Kehrer was signed in the summer and while Vladimir Coufal remains at the club – he is out of contract. The issue over a move to West Ham, is Ben Johnson. A top, top talent.
He is firmly established at his boyhood club – but also a young player with West Ham connections. Drameh would struggle to get past him and Kehrer. At Crystal Palace, he would have more of a chance. A faith in youth at Palace.
But his best move might be Newcastle. As the club continue to move forward, they will have plenty of games to play and with Kieran Trippier turning 33 next year, Newcastle need cover. Drameh could be the man to provide that.
Newcastle are in line to qualify for Europe this season and while Trippier would remain first choice, rotation will also be required to keep him fresh. Drameh might hand the Toon cover, and a perfect long-term replacement for him.
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