Opinion from the stands

The loanees: Who would you make permanent?

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The likes of Victor Moses, Carl Jenkinson, Manuel Lanzini and Alex Song have joined the club on loan deals until the end of the season and so far the majority have proved to be more than valuable additions to the current squad.

Moses has hit the ground running with superb displays against Newcastle and Manchester City, he adds the extra width and speed that was desperately needed in the team and his attributes are one of the reasons as to why the Hammers have been so impressive away from home so far this season. If Moses continues to impress, West Ham could offer him the chance to finally settle at a club where he can play regular football. Although this is a welcoming thought, the winger recently signed a new deal at Chelsea which would raise his asking price considerably.

Carl Jenkinson was another important loan acquisition at right back. After his impressive performances last season, the Hammers were keen for the defender to return to Upton Park for another season. The defender won’t be overly chuffed with his form but his first West Ham goal against Sunderland this weekend should give him the confidence to push on and impress for the Hammers once more. Similarly to Moses, Jenkinson recently signed a long-term deal with Arsenal so West Ham may have to pay a large fee if they want the right-back to sign permanently next season.

David Gold tweeted after the Sunderland game claiming the deal involving Manuel Lanzini included an option to buy at the end of the year-long loan spell. Lanzini has performed well so far this season and would probably have received further plaudits it it weren’t for the excellent form of fellow attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet. It certainly looks as if ‘the jewell’ will be a success for the Irons as his trickery clearly frightens opposition defenders. Another positive feature of his play is his defensive work rate, he showed great commitment to the cause against Liverpool, chipping in with a goal and providing support for James Tomkins on the right.


Hammers fans will be excited knowing that Alex Song is closing in on a return to first team action. The midfielder is expected to be fit before the end of this month, his presence will provide further quality in midfield as the Hammers have looked a little fragile in the middle of the park at times so far.

It is difficult to pick out the best loan signing so far as there is still a lot of the season remaining but Manuel Lanzini has definitely been the most surprising package so far. He has settled in quickly, working well alongside Moses and Payet in an attacking trio. If he continues to perform at such a high level for the rest of the season, it would make sense for the Hammers to follow up his year-long stay with a permanent chance to impress in the Premier League.

Who is your loan highlight so far? Do all of these players have permanent futures at West Ham?

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1 comment

  • Harnser says:

    If Song is back to his best that is the best buy.
    Lanzini has seemed light weight and slow to get in the game, but he seems to be growing and has a creative spark. I think he would be a great buy at his cost.
    Moses does not seem as consistent and would be expensive perhaps. Same with Jenks this year. I think they need to be assessed late in the year and have plan B lined up for both. We can probably find good alternatives especially with Tomkins and perhaps Antonio able to step in.

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