Confirmation from Fabrizio Romano that Crystal Palace have agreed a loan deal for Axel Disasi comes as no surprise to West Ham fans or management who have been looking at alternatives to the Chelsea colossus who performed so admirably for West Ham last season.
Despite the disappointment, West Ham have a matter of days to bring in another centre back to replace Disasi. On first showing the reunion of the Kilman-Mavropanos (main pic) partnership isn’t likely to offer Nuno the solidity he needs if the Hammers are to garner the points necessary to step back into the Premier League at the first attempt.
So a further signing is crucial given that, as cover for the pair that started at Burnley last weekend, the Hammers have only youngsters Airidas Golambeckis and makeshift centre back Joel Veltman as cover for a 45 game season.
West Ham have been linked to Harwood Bellis on countless occasions but a £25million price tag will be too rich for Nuno’s side
However Aston Villa’s interest in perennial West Ham target Taylor Harwood-Bellis has shown the Irons the true cost of bringing the England defender from Southampton is likely to be too high for Hammers money this summer. In any case, now a Premier League side has entered the fray, the appeal of a sideways Championship move will have just about zero appeal.
According to Sun Journo Jack Rosser The Saints have turned Villa’s first offer down flat and set their asking price:
“Southampton have rejected Aston Villa’s £18m bid for Taylor Harwood-Bellis and want £25m up front as a minimum for the defender.”
With West Ham already committing £22 million for midfielder Arne Engels to break the Championship transfer record this summer, the prospect of Nuno’s side blowing another £25 million on a centre back seems remote indeed when the squad still needs three or four additions as a bare minimum.
With the ‘players out’ column still huge compared with the ‘players in’ list, you’d say it is far more likely there’ll be another last minute loan or freebie signing to bolster the back line as the reality of Championship life bites. Mind you’ don’t knock it, that’s how West Ham came to snare one Craig Dawson. How we could do with another just now.
Have to look at it as a long term attacker who can play in premiership (providing whu go up
Harwood-Bellis is an average player that is very good on the ball and does a few eye catching things, he is not an elite player or he would have been bought by elite teams, I am glad it’s not happening. We should sign players that have potential and improve rather than show ponies.
More than anything we need a Leader someone to kick the backsides of those around him and not be quiet about it…to many shrinking violets throughout the team we need at two nasty bits of work who will dig out others if they are not cutting it.
I don’t understand why we’re not going for CJ Egan-Riley. Marseille want Todibo, so how about a swap deal?
Well 51 Paul, he certainly isn’t midfielder is he?
Ezra Mayers, Kaelan Casey?
Magassa, Alvarez?
Not sure they are enough but they are there and all would be an improvement on Kilman
Is Casey still an option as a centre back in the squad or is he likely to be moved on as well?
My honest opinion the defence is crucial to promotion, why not spend £25 million which. The benefit of his contribution would be worth more than the fee paid . Get freebies or loans for other positions . Would Be a great signing ! ⚒
I’m hoping that Veltman might fill that ‘Dawson’ role. He seems a natural leader which is what we need at the back – could be a strong pairing with Mav which we should definitely give a go as the Mav/Kilman duo never looks convincing
Soucek as centre back??? Worth a try??? Could suit him???….. just sayin’