The news red-hot forward Diafra Sakho is being touted as a future France international should be received well by West Ham fans.
The 24-year-old scored his sixth goal in as many starts for the Hammers, and he has fast become an instrumental player behind the team’s turnaround.
His form has reportedly alerted France coach Didier Deschamps to the possibility of getting the striker to switch allegiance from his home country of Senegal.
The clear benefit to West Ham would be ensuring the availability of Sakho during early 2015 when the African Cup of Nations kicks off.
Senegal are still in contention to secure a spot in the tournament, and the form of the twice capped West Ham striker could earn him a call-up for the Lions of Teranga for the first time since May this year.
To avoid the perception “West Ham come down with the Christmas decorations”, the club will need as many of the squad available as possible after the rigours of the festive fixture list.
There is also a prestige which comes from having stars representing their countries at the highest level.
West Ham players being talked about on the World stage will further heighten the club’s international reach and reputation.
With all the rhetoric around the move to the Olympic Stadium, the new badge, and fears of rebranding the club name, using performances on the pitch to boost the brand is surely the best option.
And Sakho himself, who qualifies for France having been a resident of the country since 2007 until his move to East London, can only improve his game by playing against the best defenders in the world.
He has stepped up impressively since his transfer from French Ligue Two football, and he must be keen to take his form further.
Additionally, any development to his game will increase his worth to the squad.
Obvious concerns exist around keeping players fit when they are released for international duty, but players are as susceptible to injury week-in-week-out during training and domestic matches.
The board have shifted the suggestion West Ham simply want to cash in on players, so any chance to improve the playing squad without spending extra money will be a real benefit to the club as a whole.
