Guido Rodriguez has opened up in depth about joining West Ham and has made a revelation about the future of one of his new teammates.
West Ham continued their recent flurry of transfer activity with yet another signing today.
Wing wizard Crysencio Summerville became West Ham’s fourth summer capture on Saturday.
Germany striker Niclas Fullkrug followed on Monday.
Then like a Craig David West Ham remix, Guido Rodriguez was unveiled as a new West Ham signing on Tuesday.
A World Cup and two-time Copa America winner with Argentina, 30-year-old Rodriguez left Real Betis this summer and has been snapped up on a free by the Hammers.
He was set to join Barcelona. But the sudden U-turn over Xavi’s future put paid to the move as former West Ham managerial target Hansi Flick replaced him at the Camp Nou.
West Ham’s move for Rodriguez came somewhat out of the blue last week and progressed rapidly.
But pre-season performances have provided plenty of evidence that the combative midfielder is sorely needed in east London.
Rodriguez makes revelation about future of West Ham star
Rodriguez is reunited with Edson Alvarez in east London having played together at Club America.
But some have been worried it might not be for long.
Midway through last season Alvarez stated he is ‘always open’ to a move after links to Bayern. And he went on to say: “I want to play and show the people my best qualities. But in the summer, you never know what‘s going on.”
Other outlets such as Caught Offside reported West Ham were concerned Alvarez could push to leave if the club did not qualify for Europe.
So when West Ham failed to secure European football for the first time in four seasons, that sparked fears El Machin might leave.
Earlier this summer Manchester United were being heavily linked with Hammers midfield ace Alvarez.
The Mexican did little to play down reports of a reunion with Erik ten Hag – who managed him at Ajax.
“I can only tell you that I’m focused on what I have to do,” the Hammers star said, as reported by ESPN.
“I know that the Copa America is a very important tournament where the eyes of the world are basically here.
“Later there will be time to see what there is or what there isn’t.”
A hamstring injury at Copa America dampened that noise.
Alvarez staying at West Ham says new boy
Although Rodriguez has arrived on a free, West Ham’s spending spree this summer has raised concerns a star player might be sold.
The fact Rodriguez plays in Alvarez’s position has raised fears he might be at West Ham to replace his old teammate rather than play with him.
But Rodriguez has made a revelation about the future of West Ham star Alvarez amid the rumours.
Speaking in his first in-depth interview with the club’s website, Rodriguez says he not only spoke to Alvarez about joining the Hammers but that the plan is they will be playing together.
“I think it’s the right club for me, at the right time, and I hope together we can keep growing,” Rodriguez said.
“I spoke to Edson (Alvarez) before signing, and we’re both really looking forward to working together again.
“I will help the team in any way I can. I will bring experience to the team, and though I’m aware the Premier League is very physical, I’m ready to put the work in to make sure I’m up to the task.”
Soucek or Ward-Prowse more likely to leave Hammers
West Ham clearly wouldn’t include those comments in an article on the official website if there was any chance Alvarez could be sold.
You can never say never in football of course. And every player has his price.
But it’s clear Rodriguez and Alvarez are going to be playing together again – this time in West Ham’s midfield.
Although that moment may not arrive immediately as Alvarez is still making his way back from that hamstring injury.
If anything Rodriguez’s arrival makes the departure of James Ward-Prowse or Tomas Soucek more likely.
Soucek has been linked with Fenerbahce.
And a top board source recently suggested West Ham could sell Ward-Prowse this summer.
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