It has all gone a bit quiet regarding Guido Rodriguez and a potential departure from West Ham United after just one season of Premier League football.
At the beginning of May, it was reported that River Plate had opened talks with West Ham regarding a deal which would have seen the Argentina international come full circle and re-join the club where he started his professional career over a decade ago.
Allegedly, Guido Rodriguez told his family he was returning to South America as well.
So why, four weeks later, are West Ham United approaching pre-season with the former Real Betis enforcer still very much in Graham Potter’s ranks? And why does it suddenly appear increasingly likely that Guido Rodriguez will be afforded the chance to put a disappointing debut season behind him and belatedly prove his worth in a claret and blue jersey?
Well, the comments the 31-year-old midfielder made to Argentinian radio station Direct TV Sports a fortnight ago go some way to providing an explanation.
Guido Rodriguez could stay at West Ham United despite River Plate links
Contrary to popular belief, River Plate have not ‘contacted’ Guido Rodriguez after all.
“I know [the rumours] came out. There was a lot of talk about it,” explained the former Barcelona target. “But the truth is that no one contacted me, nor did I speak to anyone at the club.
“I really had no contact.”
That could still change, of course.
But, in new claims provided by Doble Amarilla, River Plate’s legendary head coach Marcelo Gallardo is now ‘leaning towards’ signing another 30-plus veteran instead, in the shape of Juan Fernando Quintero.
Like 2022 World Cup winner Rodriguez, Quintero is another who may feel he has unfinished business at the Estadio Monumental. The 32-year-old Colombia international, once of Rennes and FC Porto, had no fewer than three spells at River Plate between 2018 and 2022.
He returned to his homeland with America de Cali as recently as January but a speedy parting of the ways may well be on the cards.
Rodriguez keen to prove his worth as West Ham target Raphael Onyedika
In contrast, Guido Rodriguez appears in no rush to leave West Ham so soon. Once Graham Potter really digs his nails into this Hammers squad, a slower, more methodical, possession-heavy game could suit an experienced midfielder who once topped the La Liga charts for successful tackles.
“Whenever a season starts, I always think about competing, achieving important things and objectives,” Rodriguez said in May. “This season didn’t work out, but not every season can be successful.
“I think we have to make the necessary self-criticism when the league is over and look at the positives for what is to come, for next year, to be able to compete better and to be able to achieve objectives, which is what we all want.
“Understanding that there are good moments and bad moments in matches, you have to be strong in the head. I think mentality is very important.”
From potential outgoings to likely incomings, West Ham are making progress in pursuit of Raphael Onyedika.
The £17 million-rated Club Brugge ace is ‘almost certain to leave’ his Belgian-based employers, and West Ham appear more likely than AC Milan at this stage to secure his signature.
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