I’m sure many will agree that, thus far, the Hammers have had a fairly efficient transfer window, securing signatures and addressing areas that need strengthening. In particular, the capture of Ipswich Town’s promising Aaron Cresswell is an exciting one and I for one hope Cresswell can shine, grow and fill our infamously poor left back spot for years to come.
Numerous news sources are now reporting that the signing of Ecuadorian World Cup striker Enner Valencia is imminent and should be finalised in the next couple of days. The signing of Valencia is certainly a gamble, particularly with the price tags that are being reported, with some reports claiming the purchase will put us back as much as £15 million in total. Despite an impressive World Cup display, notching three goals for a relatively poor Ecuadorian side, I undoubtedly have my fears over whether Valencia is worth the risk.
It’s fair to say that unless Sam Allardyce is looking to play two up front in the forthcoming season, Enner Valencia is more than likely signing to provide competition for a place alongside the boss’ supposed ‘main man’, Andy Carroll. Personally, I cannot see Big Sam adapting and opting to go with two strikers next season, particularly with his selection headache of fitting Mauro Zarate, Ravel Morrison, Matt Jarvis, Stewart Downing and Kevin Nolan into the starting line up, come August.
Although I have my doubts about Valencia’s imminent arrival for a hefty fee, it’s refreshing to see Stewart Downing praising the signing, describing it as “a big boost for the club”, and also believing the new forward will ease the pressure on Andy Carroll’s shoulders. It was clear for all to see that our reliance on Andy Carroll for goals last season was a huge factor in our downfall at times, and the signing of Valencia and competition for places will only bring the best out of the Englishman, as well as the Ecuadorian.
So, what do you think? Will Sam Allardyce manage to fit Valencia into the current side and play him alongside Carroll, or will Valencia face a struggle trying to beat the Geordie to a lone forward’s place? Are the prices being reported unjustifiable, or do you think it’s a statement of intent and a gamble that is worth taking? – let me know.
I suspect that if this had been an English player who’d scored three goals in a ‘Relatively poor England side’ we’d all be quite happy with the signing. Let’s give the guy a chance, eh? (Assuming it happens).
Oh for godsake all I ever hear is this endless torrent of pessimism, every expensive signing is a risk these days, just look at Torres. £12m is peanuts in today’s market, if we want to start competing these are the signings we have to start making. Let’s look at the bright side, he has been a prolific goalscorers these last 12 months, he has a phenomenal leap to exploit crosses and can play out wide. There is nothing to suggest he won’t fit right in if we all get behind him from the start. But be patient the guy is moving halfway round the world if he doesn’t fit in straight away, cut him some slack!
Valencia is a very good player. My only reservation of all of the new signings is with Mauro Zarate. But if he is as successful in the Prem as Aguero or Tevez, then we’ll all be ecstatic!
Winston Reid springs to mind. Valiencia is class. He’ll take time to settle into a new culture so it is a risk. But I’m sure if we give him time he’ll come good. COYI.
Gotta disagree it’s not a massive risk and the fee will definitely be under 10m up front. He is a winger that has moved to a more central position in the last couple of years so he can play anywhere a cross the front. And I don’t believe for a second that we are buying him based on 3 World Cup goals and 1 against us in the friendly, I’ve no doubt he has been on our radar before the World Cup; what ever people think if our manager and owners they’re not naive mugs. Zarate is more likely to be a squad player
Incredible now were spending too much ? No pleasing some people bet you wont hear spuds and gooners whinging about the owners spending money to try and bring success to the team.
Do you know what, having had my season to ticket now for many years, this is the first time in years that I can’t wait for the season to start. With Sheringham in place to oversee attacking options, I really think we will play 2 upfront (at last ) and we will have a very good season. Well done Gold and Sullivan.
Yes, we’ve seen in Brazil, that at the highest level, managers have no qualms about playing 3 strikers even. With the best defenders, a team can more than handle a good 4-3-3 sytem, especially if the attackers can fall back and lend a hand in defense if needed. The highest level has proved that scoring goals is what this game is all about, lets get back to having more than enough strikers & defend if we really have to. Yes sign him, sign all the strikers you can WHUFC!
I think what’s being missed here, is that Valencia. Zarate and even Poyet can play as both strikers and wingers, so I don’t see the problem of fitting them in. As I see it, Downing and Jarvis might be the ones to have a problem, especially as it seems we intend to keep Vaz te, who can also do the same
For the first time in years being a hammers fan and not looking forward to the season i cant wait for this one to start ,i think Westham have made some good signings ,for such a long time you can guess what team will start but having the competition for most positions now is good news,as we saw last year we had lots of injuries and the kids were thrown in the deep end it might keep the
current crop of players on there toes, its nice to go out and buy these players that bigger clubs are also linked with ,there have been some brilliant free signings over the years and also some crap big money signings, so lets just see what happens after mid season when the team should start to gel
To make 3 goal for a poor ecuadorian team in world cup is not a risk. Its well done and I can score goals with a team that isnt the best. Fits Hammers perfect!