The January transfer window saw West Ham active in the market, but more players left than they arrived. Pablo Fornals returned to his native Spain with Real Betis, and Said Benrahma made a loan switch to Lyon. The latter is unlikely to be plying his trade with the Hammers next term, and this could open the door for a move for a young player impressing at Burnley.
Benrahma has shown moments of real quality at West Ham since swapping West London for East when he joined from Brentford. But his form has been hit-and-miss, a bit like West Ham’s right now, reflected by the latest Premier League betting odds. He’s also twenty-eight, and after how well things are panning out with summer signing, twenty-three-year-old Mohammed Kudus, a move for Burnley’s Wilson Odobert makes a lot of sense.
Odobert only joined the Clarets in the summer in a rumoured £12 million move from Troyes, who are a part of the City Group. But with Vincent Kompany’s side at real risk of being relegated back to the Championship this season, they could be forced to sell one of their prized assets, and the player himself may even look to exit Turf Moor if he can remain in the top flight, which seems possible at this stage.
Up until early December, Odobert, who has been capped by France at U21 level, was somewhat of a bit part player for Burnley. But since then, he’s started eight consecutive games and counting and has started having a real impact from the left wing. This has also converted into two goals scored and two assists. If he continues on the same trajectory and contributes with more goals and assists, he could end the campaign as one of the brightest young stars in the division.
Burnley will likely demand a premium for Odobert, especially as they have him contracted until 2028, but if the Clarets do make an instant return to the second tier, it could allow West Ham to step in to secure his signature for a fair price. And they will have the money to spend if Benrahma’s permanent exit happens and if Maxwel Cornet leaves the club in the summer, too.
So what would Odobert bring to West Ham down their left-hand side? The French flier would add that youthful zest and exuberance, with the confidence to run at players with the ball, utilising his excellent close control and dribbling skills. It would also allow Lucas Paqueta to play in the number ten position, which would be another plus.
West Ham signed Kudus in the summer and slowly introduced him to Premier League football. The Ghanian has been a big part of why the Hammers are challenging for a top-six place and qualification for Europe once again while also still in the Europa League. It’s a process that could be repeated successfully with Odobert, but it’s also likely that West Ham aren’t the only team taking an interest in the winger.
Image Source: unsplash.com