OPINION
Call it what you want, but there is no denying that West Ham United have a bit of a crisis in the left-back department at the moment.
Manuel Pellegrini may have the likes of Arthur Masuaku and Aaron Cresswell to call upon in this role, but neither player has demonstrated the qualities to be a long-term solution for the side.
This is exactly why the Hammers must join the race to sign Real Betis left-back Junior Firpo, who has been wowing the La Liga crowds with his decent run of form lately.
According to Spanish outlet ABC Sevilla, Newcastle have recently sent scouts out to watch the highly-rated ace along with the likes of Crystal Palace, but it is West Ham who must prove victorious with a swoop for the 22-year-old.
If Pellegrini wants a left-back who is solid in his defensive duties as well as being perfectly able to go forward and attack, than Firpo is definitely that player.
He has managed to net three goals in 13 league games for the La Liga side, and if the report is anything to go by, the Hammers are in a position where they will be able to afford his services.
His release clause is worth £44.6million, a figure that is high but easily achievable after the club’s £100million splurge in the summer.
This will no doubt give them the edge over Newcastle and Crystal Palace, as they are clubs that would struggle to find that type of cash for just one player.
Time for Pellegrini to exploit this advantage as it may be the one that proves dividends for the club and cause fans to drool.
He may be young, but Firpo is just the player needed to solve the manager’s problems, and he would surely cause fireworks to erupt.
