OPINION
It has been reported today by Sun Journalist Alan Nixon on Twitter that West Ham target Rafael da Silva will be staying at Lyon, crushing any rumours that the Brazilian would be playing his football at the London Stadium next season.
WEST HAM. No go on Rafael da Silva. Staying at LYON now.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) April 28, 2019
Although there haven’t been too many people raving about this potential signing, many of the West Ham faithful will be breathing a sigh of relief that the defender has chosen to continue playing his football in France.
The former Manchester United wing-back has only featured 16 times for Lyon this season in Ligue 1, registering a single assist in the process.
The arrival of Rafael would have been unnecessary in many aspects, especially seen as though the Hammers have Ryan Fredericks at their disposal after signing the 26-year old in the summer.
Although Rafael is experienced in terms of his age and career, in technical terms, he probably wouldn’t get in the Hammers first team over the likes of Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku.
As far as defending goes, Manuel Pellegrini already has superior assets without the addition of the Lyon wing-back, so fans will surely be happy to know that this potential transfer now seems to be dead in the water.
West Ham fans will surely be hoping that their club will be making some big signings in the summer transfer window, but Rafael would not have been the man to bring positive change to the London Stadium.
Pellegrini will be looking elsewhere for defensive security in the lead up to the new season, and there will no doubt be better options that Rafael at his disposal.
