OPINION
The centre of midfield was an evident problem position for West Ham United at the start of this season, and despite recent improvements, it is still an area in need of an upgrade.
That’s where Atletico Madrid midfielder Thomas Partey comes in. While some may scoff at the notion of the Hammers prising a player of Partey’s quality away from a club like Atletico, it’s the sort of ambitious move the East London outfit should be making if they want to jump to that next level.
Besides, Partey is considering his future with Diego Simeone’s side, according to Spanish publication Marca. The newspaper claims that the 25-year-old is unhappy with his lack of playing time this term, and that he hasn’t ruled out leaving the club in January.
That uncertainty is the key for West Ham’s hopes. They would be able to offer Partey the first team football he’s after, while providing the 6ft Ghana international [Source: Transfermarkt] with a new adventure in foreign climes.
Partey would be absolutely perfect for manager Manuel Pellegrini’s 4-3-3 formation. Although primarily a defensive midfielder, he has shown himself capable of driving forward and contributing goals from midfield.
If played alongside Declan Rice, the club would ensure they have a solid defensive base in place, which will then allow their front three of Andriy Yarmolenko, Felipe Anderson and Marko Arnautovic the freedom to express themselves.
Marca’s report states that both Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are targeting a move for the midfielder,making a deal for him difficult, but West Ham’s pitch for his services would be predicated around sporting interests.
If the player is so upset about a lack of game time it would make sense for him to, rather than join another huge club with numerous top players in his position, sign up for being a big fish in a small pond.
At Arsenal and PSG he’d be competing with international stars who want regular football just as much as he does. But at West Ham he would instantly be the best midfielder at the club and would be guaranteed consistent game time.
It might be a long shot, but Pellegrini should be pushing the board to do everything they can to bring the talented – and unhappy – midfielder to the London Stadium.
