David Moyes is reportedly looking for reinforcements in the West Ham engine room this summer with Eberechi Eze and Morgan Sanson linked with possible moves to the London Stadium. However, one target who the Irons must avoid is Ramon Rodriguez Jimenez, known as Monchu.
The Barcelona teenager has not yet made a first-team appearance in La Liga for the Catalan giants, though he was offered a six-minute cameo against Napoli in the Champions League to make his debut.
At youth level the central midfielder has been exemplary, winning the 2017/18 UEFA Youth League, but he has impressed most for Barcelona’s B side in the Segunda Division B Group III. During his time in the third tier, the 20-year-old has made 57 appearances, scoring ten goals from the middle of the park.
A further seven assists only add to Monchu’s impressive record for the academy side. Much like fellow Barca B teammates Rui Puig and Ansu Fati, it led to his reward with a place on the bench in the 3-1 win over Napoli which saw Barcelona progress to the Champions League quarter-finals.
However, the major stumbling block for the Hammers will likely be Monchu’s price tag, with the Catalan club reportedly turning down an offer from Juventus in the region of £26m, as they are holding out for £36m. That figure would put the 20-year-old above Felipe Anderson, who it’s been suggested the Irons are looking to offload, as the clubs second most expensive acquisition of all time.
While Monchu may have entered the last year of his contract, which would give Moyes some bargaining leverage, it might be wise for the Hammers to steer clear of the Spanish prospect. The 20-year-old currently has no top-flight league experience and just six minutes of Champions League action under his belt, though he would reportedly cost more than Eze, £16m and almost the same as Sanson, £36m.
By signing Monchu West Ham would be taking an enormous gamble and with the club reportedly looking to sell before they can buy, it is unlikely the central midfielder will arrive at the London Stadium. Although he may be a bright prospect, Monchu’s development is best left at the Camp Nou for now.
