abian Balbuena could be on his way to a reunion with Manel Pellegrini this summer.According to AS, Pellegrini is keen to take the Paraguayan along with Newcastle defender Federico Fernandez .
The Chilean boss is believed to have made his former Hammers signing a top target as he bids to beef up his defensive options.
Balbuena and his advisors have made it clear for weeks that the central defender is set to leave the Irons and a move to Spain and reunion with his former boss now seems to be very much on the cards.
The club want the deals sorted out quickly as they are set to lose a couple of players in the window,
Both Balbuena and Fernandez are free agents this summer and are very much priority targets for the Spanish club.
Fabian Balbuena has been a model professional in his time at West Ham. I would have liked him to continue his good work with us for longer but must wish him well as he moves on. Pleased he is likely to go somewhere he will feel comfortable and enjoy.
COYI
One of the few pellegrini signings that were of any use to us.
Fornals…
Thought I think both Fornals & Balbuena where Husillos.
I wish Balbuena the best, I really wish we would keep him. When he gets a run he is one of our better CBs, chips in goals, can actually pass a bit, doesn’t make a lot of mistakes & never moans being a squad player. Always been happy to fight for spot, from what I know got along with everyone & in Europe we could use a PL & experienced CB as 3rd/4th choice. Not to mention on low wages so to find cover will cost a lot. It’s strange bc even though only lost his place to Dawson bf positive Covid he still wanted to stay in December/January, I remember an interview he did, but then Antonio & Fabianski got new deals & his agent starting putting him out there
Would of less us in less worry about finding a CB too & I personally would like an left footer or LCB for Oggy cover. But I wish Balbuena the best has been a great servant & character & really took the hard way up so hope he has a long career! Watch him be like Fonte, we sell on & he becomes Lynchpin for many young CBs & maybe wins some silver.