‘Lopetegui Has Convinced Him’ | Irons Close in on Midfielder

Real Sociedad’s loss could very well be West Ham United’s gain, according to this weekends’ reports within the Spanish media. Stating, with a fair degree of certainty, that the mooted arrival of Spanish Midfielder Carlos Soler at London Stadium is moving from possible to probable, ELGoldDigital. who usually have their finger on the pulse for all things Spanish soccer, have suggested that Sociedad are ‘in shock’ at the news that Soler has chosen The Hammers instead of the San Sebastián (norther Spain )-based club.

As they stated just yesterday: “The Basque club was confident that the PSG midfielder would join its project, but the interest of Julen Lopetegui and the offer of the English team have changed the course of the negotiations. Soler, who was looking for more prominence after an irregular passage through Paris, has preferred the Premier League over La Liga.’

“The English team, led by Julen Lopetegui, has convinced the Spanish midfielder to join his project, leaving the Basque club in a compromised situation. Soler’s decision has surprised many, especially in San Sebastián, where his signing was taken for granted.”

Remember when asked about Soler signing for The Hammers, the senior source at the club responded last week before the Villa game that :

‘We would love to – but we can’t afford the fee or the wages as we have seriously overspent.’

Perhaps more money has been found, perhaps player sales have moved on a pace or even negotiations with a view to a ‘Todibo’ deal have progressed whereby he joins us on loan with the balance due next Summer: Whatever the machinations we can hope to find evidence of Soler’s impending transfer to West Ham growing in the next few days.

Wishful thinking? Of course – we’d see the 27 year old as the perfect playmaker and missing piece in the jigsaw to help The Hammers progress and create that solidity in midfield that usually personifies Lopetegui teams. But, with growing reports from sources outside the UK my guess is that there is a lot going on ‘under the radar’ here. Steidten’s speciality.

From a 2017 Scouting report when at Valencia, it is clear he’d be a big asset: “Carlos Soler is a very quick and direct player, who will often be found roaming in the midfield waiting to be picked out with a pass. His nature is to receive the ball and drive into the heart of the opposition, using his deft touches and good vision to push forward Valencia’s forays into attacking areas.

His preferred role is as an attacking midfielder, as this allows him plenty of opportunities to bring the ball forward and fashion chances for his teammates. He also has an impressive amount of strength, and uses this to his advantage as he is able to hold off challenges and retain possession during attacks.

Soler is also tactically aware, which ensures he is always in dangerous positions. Despite Valencia regularly fielding Soler in an advanced position, he isn’t afraid to drop deep to look for possession. He is technically gifted, and when he receives the right pass in midfield, can spray the ball to the flanks or bring counter-attacks forward.”

Sounds ideal, available at ‘close to €20 million’ – about £17 million. And at just 27, still plenty of miles in the legs.