OPINION
West Ham must keep midfielder Pedro Obiang at the club especially after recruiting Jack Wilshere this summer.
The Hammers are open to offers for Obiang this summer, according to Sky Sports, with Fiorentina and Atalanta believed to have already seen offers rejected for the 26-year-old.
Villarreal are also thought to be interested in the Hammers player whose current deal sees him earn £55,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) and despite there being interest him Manuel Pellegrini must rip up plans to sell him.
Obiang had a disappointing 2017/18 campaign as he struggled in the 27 appearances he did make for the club and suffered from numerous injury issues that kept him from appearing more.
However the 26-year-old defensive midfielder has proven previously that he is a capable player worthy of featuring in the Premier League due to his tackling ability, knack for holding onto the ball as well as his dazzling dribbling skills which see him able to run the ball away from the danger zone.
Obiang would probably benefit from not being a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium next spell after his bad luck with injuries in his recent campaign and could easily flourish by having his playing time carefully managed.
This would mean that 26-year-old could get back up to playing the best that he possibly can following a disappointment 2017/18 season as he definitely has the skill set to be an asset to the Hammers if on form.
Given that Pellegrini isn’t swimming in midfield options as it stands it’s important that the club hold on to Obiang especially after signing Wilshere this summer.
The Hammers confirmed via their official club website that the 26-year-old had signed a three-year deal to join the club and the central midfielder would no doubt be able to be a key player for the club.
However due to his previous chequered injury record the club can’t afford to put all their eggs in one basket and count on the midfielder staying injury-free.
Wilshere may have managed 40 appearances in his 2017/18 campaign while at Arsenal but until he stays fit for numerous seasons in a row then he can’t be counted on to stay injury free.
This means Pellegrini needs to ensure he has capable cover for his new recruit and given that Obiang is a capable central midfielder already at the club, then the 26-year-old must be kept not sold this summer.
It’s much easier for the Hammers manager to use the players already at the London Stadium where he can, instead of rushing to get signings over the line.
Therefore Obiang mustn’t face an exit this summer from the Hammers as he would be good cover for Wilshere.
