West Ham’s decision to chase PSG’s Carlos Soler makes absolute sense.
The transfer window has been so busy and exciting that it has overshadowed Lucas Paquetá’s pending FA investigation. Whilst the Hammers have received encouraging news that the Brazilian playmaker will be available for at least half of this season, it would be unwise for the club not to prepare for the possibility of an outright football ban for Paquetá.
West Ham’s new head coach Julen Lopetegui has publicly stated that he wants two senior players for every position, and director of football Tim Steidten has largely delivered on that promise.
However, in the worst-case scenario of Paquetá being banned for betting irregularities, the club would be left without a natural number 10. West Ham’s creative passing heavily relies on the Brazilian playmaker, as demonstrated during the 2-1 Premier League loss to Aston Villa.
Although Paquetá did not play particularly well during his time on the pitch, he still provided decisive moments with a glorious pass to Tomas Soucek and by converting the resulting penalty.
So, while it’s not a case of ‘no Paquetá, no party,’ West Ham are thin in the area of attacking midfield. Some, including myself, may consider Mohammed Kudus a viable option as a CAM, but Julen Lopetegui has shown no inclination to play him centrally, favouring a passer rather than a dribbler in that position.
Therefore, if a deal for Soler can be made with PSG, it would be a transfer that could suit all parties irrespective of Paqueta’s FA destiny.
‘ but Julen Lopetegui has shown no inclination to play him centrally’
In one game.
I always think about a transfer, would the player be better in our team than his current team? Soler hasn’t set the world alight in the best team in a weaker league. So moving to a relatively weaker team in a stronger league, doesn’t suggest to me he is going to outperform. Might be a great fit for us but have some doubts…
An interesting take.
If lopetugui was to pick the right team we will do fine, unfortunately he doesn’t seem to know what our best team is what their best position is, and i personally don’t think the guy has, a clue.
We should be playing a, back four a, 5 straight across the middle and fulkrieg up front, this, would stop teams playing straight through the middle of us, summerville, kudus, alvarez when fit, paqueta and bowen, palmeiri todibo, kilman and awb at the back it’s so f*****g obvious.
I’d play a 3-5-2 formation with Wan-Bissaka on the right of the three, with Todibo and Kilman as well
As it’s squad rotation from now, there are many permutations available with Coufal and Emerson operating as wing-backs, or in a back five depending on who we’re playing (or against Spurs when we’re winning 1-0 with five minutes to go!!)
Who knows who Julen selects for the other five positions – but obviously Bowen, Kudus and Paqueta are in my starting XI
Team selection is a challenge until the window is closed and we know who else is coming in and who is leaving
Being an avid lover of football and west ham supporter,
living in Valencia, Carlos Soler home club, we would be getting a talented player, still loved and respected here. The only reason for sale to PSG was financial, as Valencia CF have arguably the worst owner of any European club. 17 mil is a steal for him in this day and age
Makes sense; get him in. Even if Paqueta isn’t banned, it makes sense to have an alternative. We’ve all seen how petulant the Brazilian can be, when tired and/or frustrated with the way the game is going. How cool would it be to bring on someone as good after an hour; BRING IT ON! 🤩 COYI!
Makes sense; get him in. Even if Paqueta isn’t banned, it makes sense to have an alternative. We’ve all seen how petulant the Brazilian can be, when tired and/or frustrated with the way the game is going. How cool would it be to bring on someone as good after an hour? BRING IT ON! 🤩 COYI!
With our obvious problems in midfield, it seems even stranger that we sent George Earthy on loan. He has quick feet, a quick mind, loads of energy and is always looking to get the ball forward. An eye for goal and is West Ham through and through! Surely he is the obvious number 8 we need?