OPINION
West Ham made a mistake loaning out midfielder Edimilson Fernandes in the summer as he is continuing to submit impressive displays for Fiorentina.
The 22-year-old central midfielder joined the Serie A side on a season long loan in August, which was confirmed by the Hammers’ website at the time, and has taken his opportunity to impress in Italy.
Fernandes has been deployed as a defensive midfielder and central midfielder during his eight league outings for Fiorentina, helping his side pick up 11 points in the process.
However given that Manuel Pellegrini doesn’t have many options to choose from in his midfield currently, with Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez missing due to injury, he no doubt regrets letting Fernandes go.
The Hammers could have done with keeping the 22-year-old as depth as it seems two injuries, and the midfield once again looks depleted.
Given that Fernandes is looking in tip-top form and he will probably be able to get game time at the London Stadium currently, then it has proven to have been a mistake to sanction his exit.
The 22-year-old always showed glimpses in his Hammers career that he was good enough for the Premier League, the only real issue with him was his injury record.
Yet he has proven for Fiorentina that he is able to keep out of the medical room and can be relied upon to play a regular role for a top side.
While Fernandes is due to return to the London Stadium in the summer, there’s no guarantee he will due to the fact the Serie A side have first refusal when it comes to purchasing him and the player clearly is enjoying life where he is.
Claret & Hugh reported in September that Fiorentina were give first refusal on Fernandes as part of their loan arrangement with the Hammers, and it’s likely they will try to take the London club up on the option.
Also aside from clearly liking playing for the club based on his form, the 22-year-old midfielder has already admitted he’d like to stay put in Italy.
“I’m here on loan, but I want to work hard even if it was only for a year,” said the promising midfielder in August, as quoted by Tuttomercatoweb.
“I would like to stay. ”
Therefore this all means that the decision to loan Fernandes out was a mistake as Pellegrini could do with him now, and that mistake could get worse as it seems a permanent move to Fiorentina in the future is at the very least a possibility.
