When speaking on the West Ham Way podcast last night (Thursday, August 1st), ExWHUemployee suggested that Manuel Pellegrini’s priority has shifted from signing a back-up forward to a centre-back.
The Hammers have already spent close to £70 million on Sebastien Haller and Pablo Fornals this summer.
It could be argued that West Ham need more, however, if they are to challenge for the top six this season.
The east London outfit have struggled defensively during pre-season. Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena are Pellegrini’s first-choice centre-backs. He’s clearly not too happy with what he has in reserve, however, in the shape of Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna.
West Ham have been linked with moves for Aaron Long, Gary Cahill and Guillermo Maripan. As things stand, however, they don’t seem to be anywhere near signing anyone.
ExWHUemployee did confirm, however, how Pellegrini is prioritising the signing of a new centre-back before next week’s deadline:
“After the game against Hertha Berlin, the manager was impressed with the attacking side of the game, but also concerned about the defence. Immediately after the game there was a discussion amongst the staff as to what should be the priority. And I think it has shifted from a back-up forward to a centre-back.”
Quite who Pellegrini will sign remains to be seen, if anyone at all.
West Ham are in decent shape, but the addition of a top class central defender might just be the icing on the cake for them this summer.
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