According to ExWHUemployee, on his weekly blog on The West Ham Way, West Ham have identified various targets from the relegated clubs as players we could sign for a cut price because of their respective teams drop to the Championship.
Andros Townsend has been identified as a potential target in the last few weeks, and continues to be considered because of his £8 million release clause; almost half of the fee that Newcastle paid for him.
But two new players have been identified from relegated clubs Norwich City and Newcastle United: Georginio Wijnaldum and Nathan Redmond.
But who would you rather see the club sign this summer?
Georginio Wijnaldum
Wijnaldum has 11 goals and 5 assists in the Premier League this season. He is a Dutch International with 27 caps, despite playing in a similar position as some of the better Dutch players in recent seasons (Sneijder for example).
Wijnaldum cost a reported £14.5 million in the summer, so it’s likely he would be available for cheaper than that, and for an International with tons of experience, it wouldn’t be a bad signing.
However, Wijnaldum has failed to live up to the hype that surrounded his move, as well as his early season form. His 4 goals against Norwich were sensational, but too often he hasn’t been good enough in a team relegated this season. Consistency is a problem, but a second season in the Premier League could show us what he can really do. His goals return is good, and as he is adjusting to the league, it could be the right time to sign the 25 year old.
Unfortunately, we already have Payet and Lanzini in a position where Wijnaldum would want to play in order to be successful. This means that whilst we would be getting strength in depth, it would be unlikely that Wijnaldum would displace two of our star players, so he would be signed as back up. There are areas that need strengthening more than the number 10 position, but if Wijnaldum was available for cheap, it could prove a smart move from Slaven Bilic.
Nathan Redmond
Redmond is only 22, so has more time of his side and is, of course, English.
6 goals this season, despite being one of Norwich’s brightest players, Redmond has ripped some teams to shreds this year. The problem is that it hasn’t happened very often, and he needs a lot of game time to start showing this kind of form.
Redmond would be looked at as a replacement for Victor Moses and Enner Valencia, who could both be on their way this summer. He would probably be an improvement on both, but would need game time to really prove what he can do. Antonio has had a more successful season, and our attacking three are practically irreplaceable at the moment.
Redmond would cost around the same amount as Townsend, and isn’t quite as effective. He also isn’t as much a goal threat as Townsend or Wijnaldum.
Verdict
Townsend and Wijnaldum are more likely than Redmond, who hasn’t proved enough to move to a top 7 club yet. Townsend’s Spurs links could be a stumbling block, and Wijnaldum deserves another chance in the top flight. If we can get the Dutch International for a cut price, it could prove a master stroke. It would also provide far more strength in depth, and put pressure onto Lanzini and Payet over the places, which can only help the side next season.
