West Ham’s priority in January is signing a new defensive midfielder, according to The Independent.
The Hammers are at the wrong end of the table and will look to do some business in January. There are a number of positions which could be looked at, including a back-up goalkeeper for Lukasz Fabianski, both full-back areas, pace on the wings and a new striker.
But the club’s hierarchy has decided that a holding midfielder must be prioritised. This is the area West Ham will look to strengthen first when the transfer window opens in the new year.
West Ham fans knew this already
This has been a long-term issue at West Ham. Dating back to the days when William Carvalho was promised and not delivered, West Ham have failed to address the holding midfield problem.
Luckily, Declan Rice has emerged from the academy and become a first-team star. But he cannot do this job alone. And with below-par Carlos Sanchez and teenager Conor Coventry as the only two others in that position, he is not being challenged.
Here are some fans reacting to this transfer plan.
Brilliant it’s only taken 3 seasons to realise how light we are in that area
— Andy Silvester (@Andysilve1) December 16, 2019
Can’t take this tweet seriously. it dosent have ‘we have to sell to buy’ in the sentence 🙄
— Gez Barton (@bartong2011) December 16, 2019
As long as he is to partner rather than replace Rice. He also needs ‘legs’.
— @Taylorio (@Taylorio) December 16, 2019
dont need a first choice defensive midfielder.We need a driving force. An engine. Box to box.Some1 that can still move forward in games where we are clearly under pressure instead of passing sideways or backwards.Some1 that can put the ball into haller/Antonios feet or in space
— Herts (@Herts53087449) December 17, 2019
Making up for what we should have done in the summer.
— Nigel Adams (@NigelAd27749696) December 16, 2019
Good talk … that position is paramount , I’d love to get a good dmf and push rice into A more central midfield he would work wonders up there , one of our most technical players and can pass, he could be our version of Viera !! #Box2Box
— ⚒Don Raphael⚒💯 (@Reeko007) December 16, 2019