West Ham’s season continues to unravel at alarming speed.
Winless in four under Nuno Espirito Santo, the Hammers sit 19th in the Premier League, leaking goals at one end and failing to score at the other.
It’s a combination that has supporters fearing the worst — but there may be some much-needed excitement on the horizon.
As January approaches, West Ham appear to be plotting an ambitious move for one of Europe’s most gifted young footballers.
West Ham Eyeing Pedro “Dro” Fernández
Fermin Lopez with Dro Fernandez. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
Fermin Lopez with Dro Fernandez. (REUTERS/Albert Gea)
According to Alan Nixon, West Ham have started preparing paperwork and compiling detailed scouting reports on Pedro Fernández, the 17-year-old Barcelona prodigy already making waves in Spain.
The club are said to be eager to move quickly before his price “goes crazy”, with scouts impressed by his rapid rise through the ranks at the Camp Nou.
Fernández made his senior debut in September and has already featured in the Champions League, where his maturity and technical quality have stood out.
The youngster’s talent has drawn rave reviews from those who’ve worked closely with him.
His former youth coach Javi Roxo hailed him as “fantastic,” even suggesting that his understanding of the game surpasses that of former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Liverpool star Thiago Alcântara.
“Dro is a talent of Thiago’s level. I’ve not seen anyone as technical as Thiago, but Dro’s vision of the game is even superior,” Roxo told Barça Universal.
Another former coach, Luis Pérez, offered equally lofty praise, likening Fernández to Barcelona great Andrés Iniesta.
“Dro has a good header, and the best thing is his vision of the play and his start-to-finish offensive actions,” Perez said. “Although there are those who compare him to Pedri, I see more of Andres Iniesta in him.”
Thiago Alcantara. (Action Images/Jose Luis Magana)
Thiago Alcantara. (Action Images/Jose Luis Magana)
For West Ham, a player of that profile would be nothing short of transformative — a creative force capable of lifting a struggling side.
Whether a teenager destined for the Camp Nou’s bright lights would swap Catalonia for a relegation battle in east London, however, remains to be seen.
Still, the ambition alone is refreshing. And if the Hammers somehow pulled it off, it would be one of the signings of the season.