West Ham manager David Moyes has issued his strongest hint yet that Craig Dawson could be set to make his Hammers stay a permanent one.
The 30-year-old joined on loan from then-relegated Watford over the summer more in a backup capacity to existing options, but the defender has gone from strength to strength and has since cemented his place as a crucial figure in Moyes’ plans.
Yesterday’s 2-0 win over Leeds saw Dawson net his fourth goal this season – more than attackers Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma combined – whilst a vital goal-line clearance ensured another clean sheet for the high-flying Hammers.
Consequentially, a jubilant David Moyes wasted no time in expressing fervent praise for the in-form Irons bulwark:
‘We’re not there yet with a permanent deal but his performances and his attitude and determination are worthy of that anyway’, said Moyes [via the Daily Mail].
‘We brought him in and it took him a while to get starts but now he’s come in, his experience has been really important to us and he has been adding goals as well.’
Forever West Ham’s View
With a reported option to buy Dawson for just £3 million, that figure increasingly looks to be a nominal fee for someone of Dawson’s transformative ability.
Given Moyes’ strong endorsement of the defender’s impact at both ends of the pitch, the West Ham hierarchy must surely have £3 million to spare in the summer transfer window to retain Dawson’s abilities.
Activating the option looks to be an increasing formality with each passing day, and it may well be a matter of time before Dawson signs for more years to come.
