Just when you thought the transfer window had ‘gently fastened’ itself last night ( in response to the one critic who was sick of the melodramatic ‘slammed shut’ cliche), and that our business was completed, I have to remind you that The Hammers can still bring in players who are out of contract and available on a ‘free’ transfer, budget permitting.
There have been persistent rumours that West Ham are looking at the ‘free’ signing of a defender to bolster our back line as Zouma, Ogbonna and Aguerd’s departure has left us very thinly stretched: Kaelan Casey in defence and midfielder Ollie Scarles have been called into todays’ squad against Manchester City. I wonder if their positions in the squad will be confirmed when The Irons have to submit the final numbers to the Premier League in September.
A quick look at transfermarkt.com throws up an interesting couple of defensive options for Lopetegui: First on the list – maybe a favourite – as a Spaniard and former International is Mario Hermoso (pictured) who was on Athletico Madrid’s books until his contract expired 1st July. Just 29, a left-footed centre back but with expensive wage demands: He was rumoured just yesterday to be attracting interest from Roma according to football-italia.net.
Alternatively what about Joel Matip – again available as a free agent and already well versed in the Premier League. 33 years old and with a slight worry on fitness but as a fourth choice centre back probably brilliant cover for our squad.
And – although I hesitate to mention them – Memphis Depay and Anthony Martial are both available as free agents. Perhaps adding Depay’s undoubted pace to our attacking squad might be an upgrade on the pedestrian Danny Ings?
Depending on their financial requirements in terms of ‘golden hello’s , one of these players might do an excellent job of adding cover to West Ham’s squad: Probably the defensive option is more appealing and urgent as far as Lopetegui and Steidten are concerned, so we will watch with interest to see what develops.
Oh Martin, you’re so sensitive. It only becomes a cliche when it is overused.
agreed. so it’s a cliche then
I think the biggest tragedy of our transfer window is that we haven’t signed a proper striker. Yes we got the German but we paid for a Fullkrug and seem to have been sold a Halfkrug. Was there a warranty with that? If so maybe we can send him back as being defective. Perhaps there are just too many miles on the clock. He just doesn’t seem to run very well. Did he come with any MOT certification?
I’m sure many are now regretting that we did not buy Jhon Duran, especially in light of him scoring yet again for Villa. He’s young, fast, hard to handle, has a terrific shot and he’s good in the air. £40 million – he’s worth it!
Fullkrug, Halfkrug – very clever, I like it. Wish I’d thought of that
Can I remind “Mr Treasure” that under 21s like Casey & Scarles do not have to be submitted as part of the 25 man squad at all.
well thank you for that. ” and all”