Craig Dawson has joined the club but it has been announced the 30 year old will be here on a 12 month loan deal rather than becoming a permanent signing.
The 30 year old Watford central back has been signed as cover given our shortage at central defence with only Angelo Ogbonna, Issa Diop and Fabien Balbuena the three battling for the two positions.
It had been assumed by most, including ourselves, that Dawson would become a permanent deal and that the fee would be in the region of £2m – £3m.
However, the announcement on the official site at www.whufc.com that the player is here on a year’s deal.
Commenting at https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2020/october/12-october/west-ham-united-add-experienced-defender-craig-dawson the player said: “I’m delighted to be here and really looking forward to being back in the Premier League and working with the manager and group of lads.
“I can’t wait to get started and share my experience. We’ve got a lot of experienced lads here anyway and to be joining this group of players is an exciting prospect, so I can’t wait.
“It’s a talented group and I can add competition to that back line, so hopefully I can slot straight in with the lads and help them improve their game as well.
“West Ham is obviously a massive club and London Stadium is a great home stadium and hopefully the fans are back in there soon cheering us on.”
Manager Moyes welcomed Dawson, who could make his transfer to London Stadium permanent at the end of the 2020/21 season, and says his professionalism and leadership qualities will be welcome additions to the squad.
He said: “I’m delighted to welcome Craig to the Club. He is a fantastic professional with proven quality and experience in the Premier League.
“It’s no secret that we have been trying to add more quality to the squad in defensive positions, not only for the longer-term but also to ensure we are well protected right now, and the opportunity bring in Craig on loan was an addition that will make the group stronger through this period.
“I know he will be a great addition to the dressing-room – he is a committed and determined character. We wish Craig all the best during his time here and I look forward to working with him for the rest of the season.”
Perfect as a one year loan. This will be a Stuart Pearce driven signing seeing as he knows the player so well and has talked him up many times in the past. He can cover right back as well so perfect player to have in the bench in case of injury.
Agree Rixey, happy with this signing.
What Alan said. Very smart. Watford promoted, back he goes.
Couldn’t put it better myself, Rixey. Sounds like a good piece of business and does not disrupt the present team.
COYI
Dawson fills the spot in the squad vacated by Reid but I don’t see him as a first choice, purely back up. Loan keeps the funds free for another body up top. I’m more excited by the potential of signing Benrahma but for squad balance I think King will be needed more than another winger.
meh…. at least West Ham had the good sense to get him on loan and not ‘invest’ £4mil. in a one season back up….
It sounds like an obvious thing – but I am happy that at least Dawson is a Moyes signing – and I hope that any further signings – Benrhama, King or Ryan Manning – will also be Moyes signings – I will be happy when the window eventually closes to be spared this soap opera – shades of Lacazette, Batshuayi etc
A loan is good as cover for now as i guess we are only picking up his wages and prehaps a small loan fee . Leaves enough to get King and Benrahma.
Do you know what sort of finances are involved Hugh ?
Fair enough, just don’t waste the Diangana money on Josh King!!
Year loan but with an option to buy included actually.
Pleased with that. Just the type of centre half we need in the squad. Hope we get King rather than Benrahma next. Proven in the Premier, better attitude and good operator on wings or up front.
Oh my days, more ridiculous fans wanting King, go watch Bournemouths matches from last season, yes he can run with a ball, either straight off the end of the pitch or looses it to a defender, too busy running to even attempt a decent pass, soon as he’s subbed off Bournemouth start scoring, he’s a diva not a team player, don’t want him at the club, Deeney would be a far better choice.
Nice to see the naysayers have gone into hiding now. We have him, he’s not our first choice but let’s get behind him! 100% agree a loan was the best deal we could have done here.
I’m ok with this on loan and he does provide back up , I think the other saga king or Benrhama . If we have a choice I would prefer King for team balance. However Benrhama looks decent . Let’s see what happens.
Well I was not keen given his relegation ‘scars’ but a one year loan deal is OK as a back up defender and so onwards and upwards. This will allow academy development too.