Pedro Obiang is on his way with a move to Sassuolo set to be completed when the squad return from China.
The news has been broken by the Italian journalist Nicola Schira who was the first to reveal that Seb Haller would be joining the Hammers despite fierce barracking from the German media.
Schira has developed a good track record on transfers down the years and reckons the Hammers will get €9 million (£8.1m) plus £1.8m in bonuses (extras) for the midfielder.
It will mean the Hammers have made a small profit on the midfielder for whom they paid Sampdoria £5.4 million in 2015.
The Serie A outfit have been tracking Obiang for some time and it now seems pretty well definite the player is on his way over the next few days.
And the cash will immediately be handed over to the manager and director of football with a senior source telling us by e mail: “We will be handing everything over from the sale of fringe players for squad reinforcements.”
Left back is the priority. Then a central midfielder. If we can sort those positions out, next season could be magical!
Johnson looks good to me
He looks average to me based on what I have seen. I can’t judge him until I’ve seen enough and he’s playing on the wrong side. I’ve seen him get pushed off the ball too easily on a few occasions leading to goals in both friendlies.
I hope he can progress this season to take over when Zabaleta leaves on his preferred side, but we absolutely need a left back now because Masuaku isn’t very good and Cresswell is always injured. Neither are of a quality that would push the team on and wing backs are so important to the game now. Alexander-Arnold and Robertson being the shining examples.
Hi High. I didn’t see any of the game v Man City but was interested that Johnson started at LB (does he only ever play against City?). You say he looked good – do you think he could become a regular starter in that position? It would be a massive bonus if to have a LB who’s defensively and positionally sound – at no extra cost, too. Has anyone else who was watching got views on Johnson and how he did today?
I think he’s got every chance Daze. Like the look of him …a LOT
Good to know, thanks! COYI
Good luck Pedro…thanks for the screamer against the spuds..
Yes, if he does leave -and I hope he does get the move back to Italy that he’s wanted for ages – he appears to have handled it completely professionally. Unlike some others …