OPINION
West Ham must act now in the reported race for centre-back Jannik Vestergaard in order to ensure Southampton don’t end up signing the 25-year-old from Borussia Monchengladbach this summer.
Sky Sports reported that the Hammers were keen on signing Vestergaard in this window but that the Saints were the Premier League side who had already been in contact with the German giants about buying the player.
The broadcaster claimed that initial talks between the Saints and Borussia Monchengladbach had taken place with the pair trying to agree on a transfer fee for the player.
Given that Southampton have appeared to act quickly in this window, they’ve already confirmed two signings, then the Hammers must act now in order to win Vestergaard’s services as Mark Hughes side will not hesitant in their pursuit.
The Saints had a very disappointing 2017/18 campaign and are no doubt eager to ensure that they have a much better 2018/19 season by recruiting top-class talent this summer.
Hughes’ team have also shown they’re not afraid to splash the cash which makes them a threat in any transfer race now, as they swiftly paid out £16million to get Mohamed Elyounoussi, as stated by the BBC, and £7million to secure Stuart Armstrong’s services, as reported by the BBC, in the last few weeks.
Therefore it’s safe to assume that the Hammers’ Premier League rivals will move quickly for Vestergaard as soon as they discover his price tag.
The 25-year-old enforcer who stands at 6ft 6in tall [Transfermarkt] must be added to Manuel Pellegrini squad as he is a no-nonsense defender who will see the Hammers manager’s need for a new centre-back successfully met.
Claret & Hugh claimed that Pellegrini is determined to recruit another centre-back in this window, after welcoming Issa Diop, and he’d no doubt be very happy to see Vestergaard arrive.
The colossus defender regularly wins aerial duels for his side due to his stature, is a capable passer of the ball and regularly puts his body on the line in order to stop the ball from whizzing past him at all costs.
Vestergaard also has plenty experience of high-level football having regularly featured in the Bundesliga in his career as he has made 185 appearances across spells at Monchengladbach, Werder Bremen and Hoffenheim in Germany’s top division.
The 25-year-old has also previously featured in the Europa League and the Champions League so given his age could be a permanent fixture at the back capable of progressing alongside the Hammers with the club hopefully going on to qualify for a European tournament in the near future.
Therefore the Hammers must act now in the reported race for Vestergaard as otherwise Southampton will pip them to the post for his signature.
