West Ham defender Gonçalo Cardoso has joined FC Basel on an 18-month loan with an option to make the move permanent.
The Portugal youth international has featured eight times for the development squad so far this campaign, having made 16 appearances for the Academy last season. Cardoso will now look to acquire valuable first-team experience at Basel, who currently sit fourth in the Swiss Super League, nine points behind leaders Young Boys
The Portuguese Centre back signed a five-year contract with West Ham in August 2019 under Manuel Pellegrini as his fifth signing of that summer transfer window. The Hammers forked out a transfer fee of £2.8m with an additional £1.8m of add-ons based on Premier League starts plus a sell-on clause should be sold on for a profit. The left-footed defender can also play at left-back but has failed to break through to the first team at his short time at the club.
Another outstanding “one for the future” instead of a 1st teamer, another that isn’t making it
Sadly one of Pellegrini & Co’s punts during the lost years. There was no plan, but plenty of fanfare when he arrived, by heaping loads of pressure on his young shoulders. This was when we still believed that Pellegrini knew what he was doing.
However, when young players are released by this club these days, it’s very rare that they go on to make us regret letting them go. I still wish him every bit of success for the future.
Sad to see another ‘prospect’ let go for little/no money in return, but that is football. You have to try and bring in talent before it’s fully realisedin order to spend big on star players.
The Academy is still developing talent and there are a couple of centre-backs who look to have a bright 1st team future.
Maybe make Dawsons deal permanent and let them come through?