Who are ya?
Contrary to the images of Raul Meireles, he is not a character from a Mad Max/Waterworld post-apocalyptic sci-fi. He is in fact a fairly well decorated midfielder, currently playing for Fenerbahçe in the Turkish Süper Lig.
Recognisable for his facial hair and tattoos, the 31-year-old has already enjoyed success in England having previously played a season for both Liverpool and Chelsea.
During his time at Liverpool, he won the 2011 PFA Fans’ Player of the Year award, while during his stint at Chelsea he picked up a Champions League and FA Cup winners medal.
He turned-out twice for Portugal during their relatively uninspiring 2014 World Cup campaign.
Big Sam, spend some money!
At £3million, it could be a bargain for a player with as much international and top flight experience as Meireles.
His track record in recent seasons suggests he doesn’t stick around at clubs for long, but if he is committed, and willing to help push the team forward, then he can be a real asset.
He could have the mentality that, by coming to West Ham, he could actually make a difference, as he would arguably be big fish small pond. The risk is that attitude could come with an associated ego.
Despite the low transfer fee, the reported wage demands may still be a stumbling block.
Believability factor
Whether this is likely is often down to where it is reported and how widely. There seem many who say it is definitely on the cards, which arguably adds weight to the story.
And with reports that we were actually back in the market for Antonio Nocerino – who has now joined Torino on loan – it seems Sam Allardyce wants this sort of player on the books.
Also, signing an experienced international who some could claim is past his best is not beyond the realms of what Allardyce has done in the past.
In amongst the flair and free flowing football he has been asked to deliver, the manager is still going to want a tough tacking, gritty players in the centre of the park.
Game changer?
The question with any signing is ‘are they better than what we have?’ He is unlikely to come in for Mark Noble, and Cheikhou Kouyate is a probable starter, so at least at first, you would expect Meireles to be on the bench.
If Mo Diame goes, and Allardyce is prepared to explore options besides Kevin Nolan in a 451, then Meireles could be the answer.
But given Joe Cole, Jack Collison, and Matt Taylor have already left the club, there is a need for depth in the midfield area.
Bringing in a player of Meireles experience is a no risk quality signing. He would add genuine competition and experience, and improve the team on last season.
