Yesterdays article highlighted the option under consideration of bringing a Manchester United cast-off to London Stadium – in case you missed it, the report was suggesting that Victor Lindelof at thirty years old would be considered a safe ‘fourth man’ centre-back to bolster West Ham’s defensive options.
Compare, and contrast, with the reports linking the Hammers with Burnley’s CJ Egan-Riley, lynchpin of the Clarets’ defence this season who has been part of a team keeping twenty four clean sheets.
It is as if the Hammers are caught up in an ‘old vs new’ mentality and it will be fascinating to see which strategy wins out. Old habits die hard and the club has gone down the ‘free’ route in the past: However, Lindelof earns an estimated £100,000 a week. So, not so ‘ free’.
All of the logic and new ethos at West Ham would suggest if Potter really is pulling the strings behind the scenes, signings like Lindelof will be no more. The Hammers manager and recruitment head Kyle Macaulay seem to be more focussed on ‘building’ for the future and promoting youth so you’d hope that the signing of up and coming Egan-Riley or even his counterpart in the Burnley defence Maxime Esteve makes more sense than another thirty-something with a dodgy injury record.
Wages wise, it’s a no-brainer. Compared with Lindelof’s £100k a week, Egan – Riley is on something around £6000 weekly.(Capology). So bringing him to the Premier League at a starting 20k weekly salary would be win- win: Even with a transfer fee of around £5 million he is clearly the better long term prospect and might even make West Ham a profit after three years.
Watching for signs of West Ham’s summer strategy, the true litmus test will be clear for all to see when West Ham go into the market for the old, faded thirty somethings like Lindelof or the ‘new era’ up and coming players of the future like Egan-Riley.
I’m not sure this is even up for debate. Sullivan is back in charge of transfers so expect a few over the hill faded has-beens on big wages. Nothing will change until he is gone
The old adage suggests “You win nothing with kids”
A blend of youth and experience will help both the youngsters and the wise old heads perform.
The back line needs leadership. As much as I believe Kilman has been a big plus to the defence, he doesn’t seem to be the one organising the back line, barking orders or holding others to account (I could be mistaken of course).
Completely agree with your comment youth and experience need to be combined.
Back line looks steady when Kilman and Todibo play together if Potter plays 3 at back, who will be other one.
Linked with so many young centre backs and even Aguerd return.
Don’t need Lindelof or Webster both aged 30 and Webster injuries.
Played Guilherme against Wolves on left wing.
Whilst he is young, pacy and versatile was never going to be suitable substitute for Summerville.
His main positions are right wing or preferably mid attack.
It was unfair to put him at left wing and make a comparison to Summerville.
To get best out of him needs not to be played out of position.
Amongst many vultures Wolves are now vying for his transfer.
Not only did we lose 3pts but could add Guilherme as an insult.