By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham fans who were concerned about the lack of transfer activity at left-back can breathe a little easier now after the club announced the signing of Adama Boiro.
The 24-year-old has completed a season-long loan move from La Liga side Athletic Club, complete with an option to buy.
But the transfer did not come without the usual squeaky bum delay from the football club as the Hammers sought a Deadline Day extension to complete the deal.
As Claret & Hugh reported shortly after the 11pm deadline, the deal was still alive, with the additional time allowing West Ham to complete the outstanding formalities.
Fortunately, the necessary paperwork had been submitted in time and the Hammers eventually got the transfer over the line.
Boiro will provide competition for Ollie Scarles
West Ham Finally Get Their Left-Back
That said, let’s not make any pretence here. The Senegalese left-back was nowhere near the club’s first choice, and it’s fair to say the late departure of El Hadji Malick Diouf did not help proceedings.
But it’s clear that West Ham needed to get some bodies in.
Despite Ollie Scarles’ improved performance during last night’s 4-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nuno Espírito Santo’s squad was desperately short of left-backs.
Hopefully that is all sorted now and we can expect Boiro to be available for selection for the weekend’s game against Derby County.
Boiro Delighted With Hammers Move
Speaking to West Ham’s official website following his unveiling, the new No18 said:
“I’m very excited and happy to be here! It’s a great Club, and I can’t wait to get started.
“It was a hectic day, but we got through it calmly and everything turned out well, which is the important thing. Now I can’t wait to meet everyone and start contributing on the pitch.”
After all the Deadline Day uncertainty, West Ham finally have their specialist left-back.
Scarles is a specialist LB but he is asked to do other things outside of that which he is not great at so i am not one to be to harsh on the Lad as for the new guy well never heard of him until yesterday but i will give him one game to prove he is not rubbish! i jest of course but many others will no doubt make that decision.
Don’t know much about the guy but he’s featured a fair bit for a good club in Spain so we should be positive about him. I had downer when we passed on Parrott, but overall andgiven the budget constraints, I think we have done well this window. Alot have come in late though so everyone will take time to gel. So we have to try and show a little patience for the next few weeks.
Now looks strong squad. When they all jell we hope to be on our way to the prem
Let’s hope that he and his family settle in well, very different environment to the Basque region I’d suggest.
Slightly off topic, Lewis Orford, something feels wrong….anyone else know why he was omitted from the match day squad?
Hope he scoffed the pie ‘n’ Mash…..