da bet7k： The season is now over and West Ham fans can look forward to perhaps the most entertaining time of the year, the summer transfer window. Ah, the annual silly season that arguably provokes far more debate online than the actual domestic campaign, how we’ve missed you.
da luck： Yes, the Hammers will, and have, be linked with a number of strikers, considering the fact Andy Carroll was released last month. And yes, hopes will probably be continually raised and subsequently dashed time and time again, that’s just the nature of the period in the footballing calendar that we are now entrenched in.
In fact, that’s what we love! If it were straightforward, it would be boring.
Anyhow, with all that in mind, here are three potential incomings already linked with a move to the London Stadium who we believe would have a serious impact on the squad.
Andre Gomes
Up first it’s the man who spent a season on loan with Everton, Andre Gomes. His name seems to be everywhere, doesn’t it? After attracting interest from both Tottenham and Everton on a permanent basis (both according to Sky Sports), the Portuguese midfielder seems to have quite the following. Yet, West Ham remain firmly in the hunt, increasing their initial £18m bid, which was turned down, to £20m (as per the same outlet).
But what would Gomes bring to the Hammers, should their apparent interest materialise? Well, we believe he’d be somewhat of a coup for the club. Indeed, Mark Noble is now 32-years-old and can’t keep on going forever, despite enjoying a pretty good season in claret and blue. Surely a succession plan does need to start being drawn up soon, rather than leaving themselves short when Noble does eventually struggle to keep up.
The Guardian claimed towards the start of the month that Pellegrini was desperate to partner Gomes with Declan Rice at the base of his midfield and, with a quick look at some of his stats, it’s fairly easy to see why. Indeed, there’s a reason he made 46 league appearances in two seasons with Barcelona and it’s because of his exquisite composure, dribbling and passing ability.
With a pass accuracy of 84.4% last season (as per whoscored.com), the talent is there for all to see. Controlling the midfield is crucial and someone of this stature would go some way into addressing that. You know, like how Jack Wilshere was supposed to.
West Ham finished a respectable 10th last season, but were only five points of Wolves in 7th so they will know European football is within reach. Sign Gomes and perhaps the task of actually achieving that wouldn’t seem so daunting.
Dani Ceballos
Here’s an interesting one. According to The Mirror, West Ham are interested in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos and while he’s not as established Gomes, potentially has a higher ceiling.
At just 22-years-old, the Spaniard managed 12 league appearances for the Spanish giants this season. Amid what is already looking like quite the overhaul in the Spanish capital, Madrid would reportedly prefer a loan move, but they also report that Ceballos could be available for around £18m.
But what would he bring to the club? Well, as we’ve already established, West Ham are in need of midfield reinforcements with captain Mark Noble ageing by the day. Additionally, however, The Mirror report that West Ham expect to lose Pedro Obiang this summer, which would leave them desperately short of midfield options, hence the mention of two in this article.
The former Betis man in question achieved a pass completion rate of 92.6% in La Liga this season (as per whoscored.com), showing his ability to keep the ball and was heralded by Football Whispers only around 18 months ago as the next Spanish superstar.
Sounds good, doesn’t it?
Guillermo Maripan
Finally, Guillermo Maripan is another player linked with a potential move to West Ham this summer, according to Football.London. They report that the Chilean has been a target for some time, with Pellegrini looking to add another centre-back to his squad.
Well, if true, that’d be really rather welcome considering the fact they conceded 55 goals this season, the most in the top ten.
Maripan has been impressive for Alaves this season and Football.London report he has a release clause of around £24m. It’s a lot of money for a centre-back, but it’s a position West Ham need to strengthen dearly. Indeed, just look how well Issa Diop has settled into life in East London since his big-money move last summer.
Yes, Winston Reid is due to return from his injury at last in pre-season but banking on him to get back to his best, at his age, might be a tad hopeful. With that in mind, a natural spot for Maripan might open up. Averaging 5.7 clearances, 0.8 blocks and 1.7 interceptions per 90 mins, he could be the kind of resolute stopper required.
West Ham fans, who would you like to see join the club this summer? With the players above, where could West Ham finish next season? Comment below.