A surprise new West Ham contract could be on the cards for Manuel Lanzini after comments from manager David Moyes.
Lanzini had been enjoying something of a West Ham renaissance under Moyes over the last couple of seasons.
Used in a variety of roles, including a deeper midfield position, Lanzini’s brilliant technical skills and ability to pass through the lines has been crucial to the rise of the Hammers.
Lanzini signed a new four-year deal on £100k per week with West Ham back in 2019 (Daily Mail, Football Insider).
But there has been persistent speculation that Lanzini could be set for a return to his former club River Plate over the last few transfer windows, including in the summer (Football Insider).
West Ham’s little jewel has remained and is now in the last season of his deal. From January he will be able to speak to foreign clubs over a pre-contract agreement for a free transfer in the summer.
This week Lanzini talked about his lack of game time saying he wants to play more but understands there is increased competition after Moyes spent £170m on eight signings in the summer.
Indeed the Argentine praised the club for signing top quality players even if it has rendered him something of a bit-part player this term.
The Argentine has played just 94 minutes of West Ham’s Premier League matches so far this season spread across three defeats.
But he has been a starter for Moyes in the club’s Europa Conference League matches so far.
And it seems a surprise new West Ham contract could be on the cards for Lanzini after Moyes comments.
Speaking ahead of Thursday night’s game against Anderlecht at the London Stadium, Moyes lavished praise on Lanzini and made it clear he feels he is hugely important to the squad in his new number eight role.
“I think he’s a better player as a No8 now,” Moyes said in his pre-Anderlecht presser.
“He played really well there a couple of years ago in Burnley, as a centre-midfielder.
“I actually think he’s better there at the moment, behind the ball.
“I see him helping me build the play a bit in that role now. I really like him as a player.”
It will be interesting to see whether the Hammers offer Lanzini a new contract.
Moyes’ comments suggest he wants him to stick around as part of the squad.
Whether Lanzini would accept a new deal remains to be seen, especially if there is the lure of a return to River Plate.
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