Following on from Claret and Hugh’s article earlier, West Ham have confirmed that Director of recruitment Nils Koppen is already in place and working to address the urgent needs of the squad this summer: As reported this morning by news sources outside of the club, it would seem he’s hit the ground running.
According to the post from onefootball, Koppen has already identified a midfielder who he signed when at Rangers as being one of interest to bring to east London:
“West Ham are interested in signing Connor Barron from Rangers this summer
The Scottish club are reluctant to lose Barron, however, who played 37 times in all competitions last season.
But Hammers boss Nuno Espirito Santo is keen to strengthen his options in the middle of the park following the departure of Mateus Fernandes to Tottenham for a fee of around £85m, and Barron has been identified as a target.
Koppen brought Barron to Rangers from Aberdeen when he worked for the Scottish side.“
Probably the top priority is replacing Mateus Fernandes: Whether Connor Barron has the technique to step into a ‘play maker’ role at London Stadium is questionable. As a box to box industrious midfielder he’d seem more like Mohamadou Kanté in playing style, but might be just the job for a Championship campaign.
‘No new developments’ means the doubts creep in over the Gustavo Sa story
With ‘no news’ still the only news on the Gustavo Sá to West Ham story, doubts must creep in as to whether a deal for the Portuguese playmaker was ever on the horizon.
Connor Barron may be a different style of midfield player but one that could equally do an important job in the centre of the pitch.