West Ham United made nine first team signings in the summer but should Newcastle United signing Salomon Rondon have made it a perfect 10?
Manuel Pellegrini spent £100 million strengthening the Hammers squad. But after back-to-back defeats to start the new campaign, West Ham looks short.
The Hammers looks particularly poor in central midfield and light of options up front.
There is already an over-reliance on Marko Arnautovic producing something special.
And the East Londoners lack a physical presence with Andy Carroll out for another extended spell.
‘Report: West Ham could have got Rondon for £16.5 million’
So did Pellegrini miss a trick not pushing harder for rumoured target Rondon (The Telegraph), who was snapped up by Newcastle on a season-long loan.
That had more to do with Rafa Benitez’s lack of funds than anything else.
The Telegraph claimed West Ham were interested and could have got their man for his £16.5 million relegation release clause.
At that price it is likely the Irons could have got the powerhouse Venezuelan international in permanently without breaking the bank.
Arnie already overloaded
Rondon has over 150 career goals for club and country.
He would also have made a great focal point for West Ham’s attack in Carroll’s absence.
That would take the pressure off Arnautovic in terms of doing the donkey work alone across the front line.
There is nothing West Ham can do about that now as Benitez seems to have played a blinder getting the 28-year-old to St James’ Park.
West Ham will just be hoping he doesn’t score against them for the Magpies to rub salt in the wound.
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