Should we ‘try before we buy’?

They are multi million £ deals. Not to be rushed” was David Gold’s comment on Twitter earlier this week when he was questioned about when transfers will be completed this summer.

David Gold is right that these deals shouldn’t be rushed due to the financial risks involved. Conversely dipping into the loan market comes with less financial burden and less risk. It can give teams a ‘try before you buy option’ for players without the initial outlay of a transfer fee. With this in mind should West Ham consider using some loan signings to bolster the squad this summer?

We were quite successful last season with our loan purchases (apart from David Bentley’s injury) Arsenal’s Henri Lansbury and Sunderland’s George McCartney were brought into the team on year long deals and Danny Collins on a short term deal. However looking back further, the 2010-11 season brought us mixed fortunes – Wayne Bridge was unfit and decidedly average, Tal Ben Haim was well Tal Ben Haim and Robbie Keane’s loan spell came at a great cost but only yielded 2 goals. Victor Obinna fared slightly better apart from shooting on sight at every opportunity!

Loaning from abroad can be fraught with difficulties; it can take some players a long time to adjust to life in the England and the different style of football.

Also some players will play well for the period of their loan before descending into a string of abject performances reminiscent of a player twice their age (mentioning no names).

Loaning players from Premiership rivals would present less of a risk but would it indicate a lack of status or a step in the wrong direction? It could be viewed that there is no long term benefit for West Ham and that it just allows other team’s youngsters a chance in the first team at the expense of our academy prospects. Saying that though, there are a number of good prospects that may be available on temporary deals this summer such as Fabio from Manchester United, John Guidetti from Manchester City and Chelsea’s Ryan Bertrand?

Let me know what you think – should West Ham enter into the loan market and do some wheeler dealering? Should we be looking to bring youngsters from Premiership rivals or should we look abroad?