Since David Sullivan and David Gold took to the helm of West Ham United, they declared they are looking to take the club in right direction and transform us into a force in the English Premier League. With a few signings walking in the door, it’s time to shift some of the deadwood out and let the new names stake a claim in the side.
The question is, who is now surplus the requirements for the Hammers? I have pinpointed four players I feel could/should see the exit door before the start of the new season.
Firstly, I feel time is up for George McCartney at West Ham United. Some may feel it is harsh to mention his name in such an article. However, this is out of no-disrespect to his services; this is because at the age of 32, along with the emergence of the promising Dan Potts, I feel his days are numbered.
With the Premier League full of pace, I feel the Likes of Jesus Navas, Theo Walcott and many others from various clubs, would destroy McCartney on the wings. We need to be strong in all positions and I just don’t want to risk playing him at left back, considering the threats from oppositions.
Cashing in on McCartney would be a smart move; however, it might be difficult to recuperate the £1,000,000 spent when we signed him from Sunderland back in July of 2012. A fee in the region of £500,000 would likely see him join a promotion chasing Championship side and if that turns out to be the case, I would wish him all the best.
Another player I feel could be on the way out of West Ham United is Modibo Maiga. Despite playing in a lot of the pre-season friendlies so far I can’t see him staying with us for long with Andy Carroll considered 1st choice, whilst other arrivals in the forward positions appear immanent.
With new arrivals, Maiga, 26, will find himself fall even further down the pecking order with the Irons, after failing to make a real impact in his first season.
Since we signed him from Sochaux in July last year, he has struggled to find the net on a regular basis, causing many fans to doubt his ability. Despite that he has showed glimpses of promise, sparking some fans to call for more time for the Mali international to make a name for himself in the famous claret and blue.
Like Maiga, another name I feel could be sold before the season starts could be Ricardo Vaz Te. In recent weeks he has performed adequately in the friendlies, however, since he scored in the Championship Play-off Cup Final, he hasn’t really delivered since.
For a measly fee around £800,000 (Signed in January), he proved to be a real coup in his first season, scoring vital goals in the latter stages to help us secure promotion. However, since his return to the Premier League, he hasn’t continued that form on a regular basis which has many doubting if he is capable of playing at the top level.
If we were to sell Vaz Te, I would expect him to be sold for around £1.5million and we could expect the likes of Stoke City, Wigan Athletic, Bolton Wanderers and the recently promoted clubs, all be in the race for his signature.
Finally, I don’t think it will be long until we see Matthew Taylor either being released or sold for a six figure sum, as he looks set to find himself on the bench this season with the likes of Joe Cole, Matt Jarvis, Ravel Morrison, Jack Collison and new arrivals likely to be chosen ahead of the veteran.
Taylor, 31, is still an asset to the squad in terms of his set-piece delivery and crossing ability, but with his pace slowly fading he may be more beneficial to a side in the top half of the championship, as we look to add pace and flair to the side that will be looking to improve on last season success.
Some may disagree with the names mentioned, however we do need to make space and raise more funds for better talent, I just happen to feel its time for those mention to move on or risk sitting on the bench the majority of the season.