Premier League

Our View: The time has come for West Ham to finally give up on Jack Wilshere

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Jack Wilshere joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer of 2018.

The 28-year-old had just been released by Arsenal after an injury ravaged campaign with the Gunners.

The 34-capped England international was handed a three year contract by the Hammers thought to be worth £100,000 per week (Spotrac).

Wilshere’s time at the London Stadium has been blighted by injuries, however.

The midfielder has played just 16 games for West Ham, racking up only one goal and one assist (Transfermarkt).

West Ham United Training and Press Conference
Jack Wilshere (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)

So is it time for the Hammers to cut their losses on Wilshere?

The 28-year-old hasn’t played for West Ham since October.

At his age now, and having experienced so many problems with injuries, it is highly unlikely that he will ever return to anywhere near his best form.

In 14 Premier League games for the Hammers, Wilshere has racked up just 281 passes and has created only one ‘big chance’. He has also recorded a meagre eight tackles and seven interceptions (premierleague.com).

West Ham United Training and Press Conference
Jack Wilshere (Photo by Arfa Griffiths/West Ham United FC via Getty Images)

When Wilshere has played, he has looked slow and laboured in possession, and his ball dispersion has been very poor to say the least.

The 28-year-old is on huge wages at West Ham. The east London outfit should really consider coming to some kind of mutual agreement with the midfielder to terminate his contract early.

It is clear to see that he will not have much of an impact for the club over the next year or so.

Freeing up his salary would enable the Hammers to attract a younger, hungrier midfielder of the highest quality in the summer.

The time has come for West Ham to make a bold call on Wilshere’s future. It would be the right thing to do.