West Ham haven’t had the best of records in bring new players in from the European leagues: Many consider the Premier League to be head and shoulders above Spain, Italy and France’s national divisions and players struggle to take the step up to the physicality required in England.
Jean Clair Todibo, of course, being one of the newest Hammers’ signings from OGC Nice, alongside Nayef Agured who joined from from Rennes. Carols Soler, last season’s loanee from PSG also struggled to get upto speed in England as did Argentinian Guido Rodriguez: Some would say Rodriguez is still ‘adjusting’.
So when fichajes.net – the Spanish sports news outlet – claim that West Ham are trying to sign a defender from Spain’s La Liga in January the initial reaction is scepticism: Not so much if the story is true but more, will the player be upto transitioning to the EPL?
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Oscar Mingueza, apparently, is the player in question. 26 years old centre back who apparently, Nuno has identified and wants the board to add to the Hammers squad. Just seven million quid, apparently, so he’d be very Sullivan-friendly. According to fichajes.com:
“West Ham United, the most determined [to sign] Óscar Mingueza
In the Premier League, West Ham United is going through a complicated moment in defense and considers that Oscar Mingueza would fit perfectly into their system. The coach of the London team has asked for urgent reinforcements to reinforce the back and the Galician is one of the best positioned names on his list.”
Cannot argue with the need for reinforcements at the back if only to push Kilman and Todibo to keep their standards high instead of being automatic selections. Will be interesting to see if this one develops nearer to January.