News that has emerged in recent days suggesting West Ham are ready to go back into the market in January for a permanent fix to their centre back shortage is good news indeed.
With Todibo loaned out and deadline-day loan signing Morato currently operating as Nuno’s first choice left back, there is clearly a problem if Mavropanos or Kilman (mediocre though he’s been) get injured: Teenager Airidas Golambeckis performed well when called upon, but playing 46 games with only two first-choice centre backs is hardly a solid foundation on which to build a promotion push.
Especially when one of them is currently getting driven mercilessly on international duty with four competitive games in the twelve day international ‘break’.
Mavropanos has a fine injury record as a West Ham player but with the number of games he’s getting through, there has to be a serious worry about his fitness as his minutes on the pitch grow.
So any news that there is a plan afoot to bolster the options is welcome indeed. The72.co.uk and others – covered by C and H earlier in the week – have all suggested that West Ham’s attention is focussed on the Bundesliga:
West Ham have been linked with a move for FC Koln defender [centre back] Rav van den Berg this winter.
West Ham are said to be interested in a swoop for the Bundesliga centre-back in the upcoming January transfer window. WHUFC have the chance to freshen up their squad as they aim for promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
At this stage, to me it matters little which name comes to the fore. There’s ten weeks scouting and planning ahead before a move materialises but the fact that the Irons are linked with a £15 million-rated defender is hugely reassuring.
Whoever they finally settle on, the new-era West Ham’s recruitment thus far gives confidence that they’ll be a capable addition to West Ham’s back line.
Nils Koppen did allude to the fact that there was money available for ‘some more business’ in January and it would be the final piece of West Ham’s rebuild jigsaw to bring in a decent, permanent signing to play alongside Mavropanos and offer cover as this arduous season unfolds.
What evidence is there that he will be the chosen one which clicks with Mavro.
Only certainty is Disarsi who will be available in summer.