HAVING SOLD Mateus Fernandes for £85 million just eight weeks ago, bringing in a replacement for £25 million seems, in relative terms, like good business. Sixty million in the bank and a promising, versatile new arrival looks, on the face of it, like a shrewd deal.
True, West Ham’s midfield has been a creative free zone through pre-season and the addition of Arne Engels will be a significant improvement on the sides who relied on Lewis Orford for their sole playmaker role.
It does seem that the Hammers’ deal for Engels is all done bar the shouting: According to the ScottishSun.co.uk:
“West Ham have been locked in talks for weeks with the Scottish champions and Alan Nixon reports they are willing to shell out a guaranteed £25m fee with heavy promotion bonuses to get a deal done.”
A Championship record by a country mile. I guess that settles the argument over West Ham’s transfer budget for this summer.
West Ham have upped their bid to a massive £25 million – plus add-ons
Nils Koppen appears to have got his man unless the Hammers manage to cock it up at this late stage: Meeting Celtic’s price and throwing add-ons on top should see the 22 year old head south – remembering personal terms were agreed weeks ago.
The jury is out, without being negative, however, comparing the likely fee for Engels with Wolves’ plans to sign Jordan James for less than half the Engels fee.
Something of a litmus test for Koppen’s credibility, this transfer. If the new West Ham head of recruitment gets his man then credit to him: All the reports of Engels’ ability suggest he’s a decent signing and it will, in addition, generate reassurance for West Ham fans, many of whom have worried that the club has been disguising – thinly – a big lack of funds to spend on players.
A statement signing just in time for the first game of the season would give everyone a ‘massive’ boost.
I would go for James tried and trusted in this league and half the price.Reports from zceltic are not that great 🙄
👍James 1st senior football at 17, plays in French ligue where you have to be technically good, 22 yo, breaks up play and starts attacks, a snip at 10M…
presumably Koppen has set out his stall, or they’ve seen something nobody else has, which I say with zero conviction.
Pablo holds the ball up and brings other players into the game
Give him time – the goals will come
😂😂😂
I agree he puts 100% in and is a pure team player if KWP had squared it to him sat we would see a different player
Didn’t square in the basis he knew the wally would sky it over the bar.
Utter waste of a shirt.
This player doesn’t seem to get a lot of praise from Scottish media , pundits , I have never sen him play, his stats are decent, again you surely have to trust the management and advisors to put the squad together for a quick return to the premiership
Should be signing both!
Wasn’t the story that they wanted Parrott signed and ready for Burnley? Well they are cutting it fine if that’s still the intention
Who would be preferred player (best asset) Engels or James.
Both are 22 and internationals.
Celtic are not selling Engels for at least two weeks but James is ready available.
Appears they both have different skills which whu need.
As debt is almost twice amount £400m not £200m which has lead to penny scrapping and freebies.
James only costing £10m against Engels £25m seems like it’s a no contest.
Are they pushing for Engels just because he is labelled Koppins number one target.
If it is then it’s going for wrong target for wrong reason and commonsense needs to prevail.
James work rate, physicality, versatility and goal scoring prowness wins hands down.
Perhaps it’s leading to not signing either with a ‘We tried’ scenario.
If, as seems likely, this happens, then it will not only display a willingness by the Board to spend a substantial amount (given the financial mess we’re in) but also provide the creative spark the team needs so badly.Then it’s time to secure the Troy Parrott signing and then we’ll have a balanced team, with Pablo on the bench.
Pablo hopefully on Dagenham’s bench …….