OPINION
West Ham United are down to the barebones in the centre of defence, and a move for Chelsea hero Gary Cahill could be just what’s needed to remedy the situation.
Football London made the shattering claim on Thursday that centre half Fabian Balbuena faces another two months out with injury, and if Angelo Ogbonna’s recent performances in his stead are anything to go by the Hammers desperately need to sign a replacement for the Paraguayan this month.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side haven’t looked anything as comfortable at the back without their summer signing, and Issa Diop has looked noticeably more uncertain alongside Ogbonna than he ever did with Balbuena in tow.
A January swoop for Cahill would be the ideal short term fix, and the club are known to have an interest in the 33-year-old. The Daily Mail reported in November that West Ham were one of several teams considering taking the Blues star on loan this month.
Whether it’s a temporary move or a permanent one, the Hammers need to ignite that interest and bring Cahill to the London Stadium. He would expertly fill the void left by Balbuena and would be a reassuring veteran presence alongside the 22-year-old Diop.
Cahill has had precious little football at Stamford Bridge this season and is surely aching to leave the club. A switch across London would be ideal for him and his family.
Furthermore, he would be virtually guaranteed a starting spot with the Hammers. Ogbonna, as mentioned, has been less than convincing since coming into the team and Cahill would be a far more solid presence at the back moving forward.
He wouldn’t be a long term solution at the position, but he doesn’t need to be. West Ham currently have only two fit centre backs and they desperately need reinforcements, that’s what Cahill would be.
There are fewer sure bets in the Premier League than the former Bolton Wanderers man and Pellegrini would be giving his defence an instant lift by bringing Cahill in.
Hopefully the club proves the Mail’s report correct and acts on their apparent interest in the veteran. If they do they will be taking a big step towards a positive second half of the season in East London.
