OPINION
At the beginning of the season, West Ham United had a midfield which could have easily matched any of their rivals.
With the likes of Mark Noble, Declan Rice, Pedro Obiang, Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez all vying for a first team starting spot, it is clear to see that Manuel Pellegrini was rather spoilt for choice.
However, a lot has happened since then – Wilshere has been injured, Obiang was absent for a few games, while Sanchez faces a lengthy period on the sidelines.
This is why a swoop for an experienced midfielder in January must be an absolute top priority for the Hammers.
Director of football Mario Husillos must look no further than Borussia Dortmund’s Shinji Kagawa, who Calcio Mercato report as being transfer-listed by the German outfit after just four appearances this season.
Given the playmaker’s experience with the likes of Manchester United, a move for him would be an absolute no brainer for the West Ham manager.
He is just the creative spark they are looking for now Yarmolenko is out, and he could be the player who could ignite further success for the team this season.
Yes, his spell with the Red Devils was not considered mind-blowing, but there is no doubt that a player like him could improve what West Ham have to offer up front.
The Irons must take advantage of the fact that Dortmund are keen to sell Kagawa, as it means that he will likely be offloaded for a cut-price fee.
This would be the perfect scenario for the club, especially after they splashed out around £100 million in the last transfer window.
Husillos must plot a raid for the ex-Premier League man in January – he could be an absolute revelation at the London Stadium.
