“Transfer Priority” | Lopetegui Reveals Real Intent

At the beginning of West Ham’s transfer window, central midfield was not one of the areas highlighted for surgery. Central defence, right back, left wing, and of course striker have been the positions which have dominated the rumour columns each time the Hammers have been linked to a player.

But actions speak louder than words, and there are two bids which we absolutely know were made by the club which perhaps point to a slightly different priority.

Very early during the summer transfer window, West Ham made a concrete bid for midfielder Aleix Garcia, who ended up moving to Bayer Leverkusen instead. Far fewer column inches were given to that transfer bid than to the rumours and hype created around others, but it was the first bid West Ham made this summer and was a good indicator of where Julen Lopetegui believed the team needed strengthening.

The club has now bid for N’Golo Kante and appears to be going in for a second attempt, having failed with their first offer. Whether the Hammers end up bringing the French midfielder to the club is still up in the air; however, it would seem that West Ham’s new head coach is intent on strengthening central midfield.

So watch this space, because if West Ham does lose out on the transfer of Kante, I wouldn’t be in the least bit surprised if another candidate emerges.