It may not be the big-money move that West Ham fans were hoping for to reinvigorate their midfield but Manuel Pellegrini has shuffled his options in the engine room ahead of his maiden season in east London.
Swiss midfielder Edimilson Fernandes has moved to Fiorentina on a loan deal reportedly with the option to buy, while experienced Colombian international midfielder Carlos Sanchez has moved the other way.
Aged 32, with an unspectacular spell at Aston Villa on his CV, Sanchez is not the most inspiring signing, but is he a better option than the younger Fernandes? Read on.
First, a look at the stats from last season, and Sanchez – who was on loan at Espanyol in 2017/18 – comes out on top in terms of three that are crucial for players in their defensive midfield role.
Sanchez made more tackles – 0.75 to 0.64 – far more forward passes – 24.42 to just 10.14 and more interceptions – 1.58 to 1.14 per match last term.
As the younger man, Fernandes needs games to improve, but was always likely to be a backup option under Pellegrini with the Hammers.
On the other hand, Sanchez is much more suited to a reserve role because he is an experienced campaigner – in truth without the legs to play every week these days.
Fernandes’ performances have not really been good enough to earn him a longer stay at the club, and Sanchez, uninspiring as he may be, looks to be an ideal replacement.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
