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.
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.