West Ham’s hunt for midfield reinforcements has taken a puzzling turn with reported interest in Manchester United’s Scott McTominay. While the Hammers, under new manager Julen Lopetegui, are right to explore all avenues, this potential transfer reeks of a move destined to backfire.
Don’t get me wrong, West Ham needing another midfielder is understandable. Last season’s signings, James Ward-Prowse and Edson Alvarez, were successes, and it looks as if Flynn Downes will complete his move away within days. However, McTominay fails to address the weaknesses in the West Ham midfield.
Hailed as a future star early on, McTominay’s progress has stagnated. He might find a niche in a team like Galatasaray, but West Ham needs someone who can elevate their game, not merely be a stop-gap.
West Ham fans should be wary. The lack of serious interest from other Premier League clubs speaks volumes. McTominay wouldn’t be a guaranteed starter, and his deficiencies could disrupt the fluidity Lopetegui is trying to implement.
Imagine West Ham fans, desperate for European football again, watching McTominay fluff a crucial tackle or concede a needless free kick. It’s a recipe for disaster. West Ham have the ambition to compete at the top end of the table. They deserve a midfielder who shares that ambition and possesses the talent to match.
Lopetegui should prioritise other targets. There are midfielders out there who can offer the box-to-box presence and defensive solidity West Ham craves. Signing McTominay would be a case of settling for mediocrity, a path that won’t lead the Hammers to the promised land of European football
Would have been a very Moyes like signing. Not now. Doubt that we are even interested.
McTominay was on fire last season for both Scotland and Man United with many crucial goals . The question is price 15 to 20 million is good value for a 28 year old but not 30 million . Westham have already spent most of their available funds on two players and so must be frugal with their spending on the next five players .
What’s our transfer budget please?