Whilst fans, news outlets and media generally have been consumed with West Ham’s bid for Mateus Fernandes, it appears, by some accounts, that the Hammers have been busy in the background with other targets. Which if true will certainly come as a relief to fans who are concerned that the window will close without an upgrade on the midfield. With the departure of Edson Alvarez now 95% likely, West Ham are in a worse state than they headed into the summer window so urgent action is needed.
Despite reports earlier suggesting Tottenham were planning to bid for AS Roma’s Lorenzo Pellegrini, another sportwitness.co.uk article today suggests West Ham have indeed made an offer to both the player and to his club AC Roma.
Their piece today suggests :”West Ham ‘pushing hard’ to sign midfielder – Working with entourage to get him to London”.
Most Read on West Ham News
Described earlier in the window as a “Potter’s own Lanzini”Pellegrini represents a budget addition to West Ham’s squad but older than Alvarez, the player he is theoretically replacing.
“According to the report, [say sportwitness] Roma are likely to receive less than €10m from the Italy international’s sale. An earlier report mentioned the Hammers are willing to pay €5m. Pellegrini is said to have received a four-year contract offer worth £4m [€4.6m] per year from West Ham.”
Which if true would be around £76k a week. Not the highest earner but in a similar vein to Rodriguez: 29 years old and not the fastest around the pitch with a four year contract offer!
The jury is out on whether Pellegrini represents a wise addition to the Hammers squad or a recruitment team clutching at straws. 24 hours will enable a lot more light to be shed on the report and whether indeed it represents fact or fiction.
Still not convinced he’d be anything other than a like for like Rodriguez replacement: Hardly the injection of youth and pace that West Ham seek. But I’ll reserve judgement and wait to see what unfolds. There’s a big Alvarez-shaped gap in the squad just now and someone better be coming in!