West Ham United manager Julen Loptegui
West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui. [Credit: Imago]
Zak Anderton
Thu 19 December 2024 7:40, UK
West Ham United are eyeing a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Brais Mendez ahead of the impending January transfer window, according to Fichajes.
The Spanish outlet reported via its website on 18 December that the midfielder is a “priority” for the Hammers in the upcoming window as they look to bolster their ranks.
Lopetegui’s interest is “difficult to reject” for Mendez and Sociedad but the La Liga side aren’t interested in allowing him to leave unless his market value is matched.
The report also adds that the Spaniard has spoken to the West Ham board about the “importance” of his signing in January with other players also linked with a London Stadium switch.
Julen Lopetegui needs to bolster his West Ham United ranks in January
This season hasn’t been the best in recent memory for the Hammers as they currently sit 14th in the Premier League.
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While they aren’t directly involved in a relegation battle just yet, it feels like the addition of a midfielder in January could help ensure they don’t get dragged into one.
At the moment, Mendez is a key player within Sociedad’s team and has appeared for the La Liga outfit 21 times this term.
In those 21 games, he’s contributed to six goals and can be deployed anywhere across the midfield three if needed.
West Ham fans
West Ham fans celebrate with the squad
January is likely to be a pivotal point in the Hammers’ season as it’s evident that reinforcement is needed despite the amount of money that Tim Steidten and co. spent in the summer.
Only time will tell what the future holds for the Hammers’ future recruitment but if they want to make a late charge for the European places, it feels like reinforcement is essential.
In other West Ham news, a “surprise” Jarrod Bowen verdict has emerged from the London Stadium.
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