OPINION
Robert Snodgrass’ time at West Ham United has been a shambles.
The Scotland international winger was signed from Hull City for £10.2million in January 2017, going on to make just 15 appearances (mostly in the wrong position) under Slaven Bilic before being sent out on loan to Aston Villa last summer.
Some ill-advised comments from vice-chair Karren Brady claiming the club’s purchase of Snodgrass “wasn’t exactly a triumph” have soured his time in east London even further.
Snodgrass’ future is now coming under scrutiny after his loan spell at Villa ended in a play-off final defeat and Manuel Pellegrini was appointed as the new Hammers boss.
Previous reports have suggested that the 30-year-old is set for a fresh start under the Chilean, and a new report claims the Scotland international is targeting a starting role at the London Stadium next season.
According to the Standard, Snodgrass is keen to capitalise on a brilliant season with Villa upon his return to West Ham, with a clean slate under Pellegrini giving him the chance to impress.
Despite this however, Snodgrass must be deemed surplus to requirements and sold on this summer.
There is no denying the incredible season that he has just had with Villa, with the 30-year-old scoring eight goals and laying on an amazing 13 assists in all competitions.
However, Pellegrini is already showing his desire for young players with pace as the Hammers pursue deals for Ryan Fredericks and Felipe Anderson, and Snodgrass is most certainly not of that ilk.
The Scot is painfully slow, and while his set piece delivery is undoubtedly brilliant, that must not be enough to save his West Ham career.
Having someone like him in the team would potentially slow the momentum created by the young, pacy players that Pellegrini wants to really define his revolution.
His wages will also be an unnecessary expense, and the club will still be able to get a decent fee for him this summer, meaning an exit makes perfect sense.
