It would be fair to say that Guido Rodriguez’s move to West Ham United did not work out particularly well.
Rodriguez arrived from Real Betis in the summer of 2024 with a reasonably big reputation.
Indeed, the midfielder was joining West Ham United as a World Cup winner, having formed part of the Argentina squad who lifted the biggest trophy around in the winter of 2022.
Why would we keep an unhappy player 😂
What does this tell you about the decision making behind the scenes?!
Still, Rodriguez generally struggled at West Ham.
Now, the experiment is set to end and Rodriguez is set to join Valencia on a free transfer.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has hailed the deal from a Valencian perspective.
Guillem Balague praises Valencia’s deal to sign Guido Rodriguez
Los Che, previously a giant of the Spanish game, have fallen on hard times.
This season, they are at real risk of suffering a first relegation from the Spanish top flight since 1986.
Reacting to the news that the 31-year-old was heading for the Mestalla, Balague said on X: “In the last few hours, @valenciacf managed to sign one of those players that any changing room needs World Cup winner GUIDO RODRÍGUEZ, wanted by many included Juventus and Espanyol, is a new che!
“He is on his way to Valencia after rescinding his contract with @WestHam which was due to expire next summer He has five months to help the club reach this season target: stay in the first division. “
How much money would it take for you to sell Lucas Paqueta? 🤔
Clearly, he believes the Argentine is exactly the right character to help Valencia in their battle to beat the drop.
Guido Rodriguez’s unseen impact at West Ham United
The midfielder only amassed 32 appearances for the Hammers during a difficult time for the club.
He’s set to leave with little legacy, although it’s not as if he’s done absolutely nothing.
Indeed, new signing Taty Castellanos has revealed that Rodriguez helped him settle in at West Ham.
Clearly, he’s been a good player to have around in the dressing room in that respect.
If Rodriguez has helped Taty acclimatise to life in a new league, that has to be seen as a positive.
Is it enough to justify the money spent on his wages? No, but there are plenty of West Ham signings over the last few years who one could level that criticism at.
West Ham do need a rebuild and this feels like a positive move for all parties.
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