Latest

Potential Hammer? West Ham target former Arsenal trialist

|
Image for Potential Hammer? West Ham target former Arsenal trialist

Who are ya?

Ismail H’Maidat is a young attacking midfielder who currently plies his trade with Brescia in Serie B in Italy.The Dutchman, who is also eligible to play internationally for Morroco who he has already represented at youth level, has had something of a breakthrough at Brescia this season since his move from Anderlecht in the summer, where he failed to make a single appearance. He has been a regular for the Italian side over the past month or so, and his performances have apparently attracted the attention of a number of clubs,  including West Ham.

Big Sam – spend some money!

There is little word so far on how much the 19-year-old would cost, but Brescia are likely to demand a high price for one of their prized assets. The Hammers would therefore have to consider this cost factor when weighing up a move in the January transfer window, as Sam Allardyce will have other targets on his radar, and the club will not wish to fall foul of the financial fair play regulations, having already spent a large amount in the summer transfer window.

Believability factor

There has been plenty of stories in the media to suggest that there is some truth to this rumour. It is probably at least the case that West Ham have been monitoring H’Maidat’s performances recently. And it is also very believable that he would be open to a transfer to the Premier League, as it would be a massive step up from Italy’s Serie B. However, it is unlikely that H’Maidat, who has previously had trials with Arsenal and Crystal Palace, would be top of the Hammers shopping list in January, with there being little evidence so far that he would make an instant impact at a higher level.

Game changer?

West Ham are possibly going to need reinforcements in the midfield area around January time assuming the African Cup of Nations goes ahead, as Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate are likely to be absent for a period whilst competing in it. So to that end, an extra midfielder would be a necessary acquisition.
I would personally look to other targets in that position, however, who have a greater pedigree than H’Maidat has. There would be no guarantee that a 19-year-old who has only recently starting playing in Serie B will turn out to be a good Premier League player. That being said, Diafra Sakho was signed after his performances in the second tier of French football, so it is a possibility.

Share this article

1 comment

Comments are closed.