Nuno Espirito Santo does still appear set on strengthening several areas which fans might consider ‘non essential’ in this January window. The injury to Mavropanos – though thankfully not serious – highlights the need to bring in another centre back and the talk around Lucas Paqueta heading out before the end of the Brazilian window (March) surely means the Hammers need a playmaker.
Perhaps now the Portuguese head coach has an away win under his belt, the board may get off the fence and release further funds before this window is out.
One suspects that there was a certain amount of back pedalling on further signings after Taty and Pablo, with the Irons seven points from safety.
Had that have gone to ten yesterday then likely the board would have quietly shut the cheque book and battened down the hatches in preparation for life in the Championship.
However from talksport.com yesterday came news that Nuno is still set on bringing in a new goal keeper. Despite Areola’s return to top form, Hermansen as the wobbly back up, youngster Fin Herrick third choice and veteran Fabianski still on the books, West Ham appear to have prioritised another goal keeper arrival in the two weeks remaining.
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According to the article:
“*West Ham have had an ambitious move to sign Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen on loan rejected, [talkSPORT understands.] The Hammers are carrying out an extensive search to sign a new No.1 this month and sounded out Barca for the German.*”
Which might seem a surprising priority given the need for ‘rebalancing’ throughout the squad.
This also despite Hermansen’s familiar ‘I want to stay’ claim from last week: Whether the Irons still in 18th spot can convince another ‘keeper to sign this January may be another matter altogether – Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s blunt refusal to move to crisis-ridden West Ham may become a familiar theme in the coming couple of weeks.
In goal, at least, West Ham might just have to stick with what they’ve got until the relegation battle is decided.