IGOR JULIO doesn’t appear to have impressed Nuno. The Brighton centre back of course wasn’t eligible for the south coast clash against his ‘parent’ club but his restricted game time has been limited to 103 minutes in a Claret and Blue shirt.
This despite the sale of Nayef Aguerd leaving the Hammers only three front line central defenders – and some pretty ropey form from the trio.
It seems that Igor isn’t the answer even just as a ‘stop gap’ signing and Nuno may add an up and coming youngster to his winter shopping list.
Whilst there’s speculation that the Hammers are going to spend big on Charlie Cresswell, reports crop up suggesting another, less high profile defender on a budget may also come in, with Igor possibly returning whence he came.
Such would be the case with the links surrounding 21 year old Samson Baidoo, currently playing for RC Lens in the French serie 1. Today’s article by tribuna claims the highly rated young centre back is one to watch:
“West Ham United and Crystal Palace have set their sights on RC Lens’ highly rated centre-back Samson Baidoo, with both Premier League clubs monitoring his progress closely.
Another u21 international, Samson Baidoo fits Nuno’s ideal profile for Hammers recruits
The 21-year-old Austrian has been one of Lens’ most consistent performers this season, showing impressive defensive maturity despite his age. Baidoo has also contributed in the final third, recording 2 goals and 1 assist in 14 Ligue 1 appearances, a return that has only boosted his profile.”
One who certainly fits the profile with Nuno’s new world at London Stadium, Baidoo has a modest €8m price tag according to transfermarkt and would be another 1.90 m powerful addition on a budget should West Ham dive in for him, with the youngster already having made a name for himself in France.
Described by ligue1.com as “one to watch – the Austrian rock reinventing Lens’ defence’- He’s an Austrian u21 international and his would be a relatively simple deal to effect in January with no problems over personal terms. Another ‘one to watch’ indeed..