West Ham United are stepping up their efforts to inject much-needed pace into the team with a surprise January transfer.
A senior London Stadium source has revealed to Claret & Hugh that the club is acutely aware of the Hammers’ lack of speed in midfield.
As anyone who has watched the team can confirm, West Ham are frequently outrun and bypassed in the crucial middle third of the pitch.
When asked last night about James Ward-Prowse potentially being recalled to the squad, a senior West Ham source stated bluntly: “We need more pace in midfield.”
For many fans, including myself, this is welcome news. Watching a midfield of Guido Rodríguez, Tomáš Souček, Edson Álvarez, and Lucas Paquetá has often been a frustrating experience. While they all bring qualities to the table—especially the ever-reliable Souček—none could be described as particularly athletic.
The Premier League’s pace seems to have intensified this season, making it imperative for West Ham to find a midfielder capable of covering ground quickly.
Quite how Rodriguez was signed in the first place is a complete mystery to me. Surely someone at the club must have noted his unsuitability to the pace of English football in which pace has become such an important commodity.
Better late than never I guess and it now seems like striker and midfielder will be our two transfer priorities in January.
There were too many to bring in last window, instead of being planned it was all too urgent. A legacy of poor and non existent recruitment under Moyes.
It was also expensive as buying large numbers of players is bound to be, so there was sensitivity to cost.
Rodriguez was a world cup winner who came up for an inflated sign on fee only, an easy signing at a low cost so fitted two bills.
We should easily get a few million for him so not wasted money but a pitfall of poor long term recruitment policy.
As usual we make our own problems through poor decision making in the main from Sullivan but also some from Moyes.
Jeez, Gonzo, I thought you were going to announce to us the January speedster’s name! I clicked on your bait – you got me. 🤬
Does anyone know if back in his past, Lopetegui was ever involved in some sort of disagreement with West Ham? During his time at Wolves perhaps? Just wondered, because he could hardly be more destructive if he tried.
Andy Irving plays well in the middle, reminds me of Trevor Brooking. Losing it with West Ham decision makers.
Got to love it when the “EXPERTS” state the bleeding obvious! and get paid a handsome sum to do just that wish i had that kind of job