OPINION
Paul Merson claimed that there was “not a chance” that Alfie Mawson would stay at Swansea City after the club were relegated, and West Ham should move quickly to seal a deal for his services.
The Sky Sports pundit when reviewing the Swans’ season named the 6ft 1in tall centre-back the club’s best player of the year and didn’t envision him staying at the Liberty Stadium with his side set to be in the Championship next season.
“Alfie Mawson (in response to his Swans player of the year), he won’t be there next season – not a chance,” said Merson in a post for Sky Sports’ website.
The 24-year-old defender made 43 appearances for the Swans this season, even managing to contribute three goals to their cause, and was actually impress despite their struggles.
Mawson looked capable of being a solid Premier League defender through his displays, and it’s easy to imagine how he could instantly improve the Hammers defence.
David Moyes’ side ended their Premier League campaign having conceded the joint-highest, tied with Stoke City, amount of goals in England’s top-flight this season as they shipped 68 goals.
This statistic clearly proves that there needs to be defensive reinforcements arriving at the London Stadium in the summer, in the form of new arrivals, and there are few better options to pick then Mawson.
The Hammers are already aware of this fact as the 24-year-old is a player they’re targeting in the next window, according to the Daily Star, with him potentially costing in the region of £40million if the Swans’ valuation is matched.
The Daily Star also claimed that Manchester United and Tottenham were keen on Mawson, which means the Hammers would have tough competition for his signature.
However despite his hefty price tag he’s exactly what the club need and if Merson is right about the defender being on the move, he needs to arrive at the London Stadium.
Therefore the Hammers must act quickly to grab Mawson’s services ahead of their Premier League rivals as he will be a fantastic signing for the club to make.
