West Ham United are open to keeping Craig Dawson at the London Stadium.
That is according to transfer insider Dean Jones, who has spoken of the Hammers’ recent intent to keep the 32-year-old at the London Stadium, despite being willing to let him leave in the summer transfer window.
What’s the word?
The journalist explained that the Irons are willing to let Dawson “consider his options” but would be happy if he opted to stay put in east London, despite reportedly wanting to move closer to his family in Cheshire.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones said: “This is a situation to be a bit careful about and they’ve got to manage Dawson respectfully. They’re definitely open to keeping him at the club, but they’re also willing to let him weigh up his own options when we get to the new year.”
A West Ham stalwart
In the words of Mark Noble upon announcing his retirement: “I’ll be lying on a beach next year – Craig Dawson will be marking Erling Haaland!”
While that hasn’t quite happened yet due to Dawson missing West Ham’s first seven games after a recent injury – one of which was against Manchester City – it’s a match-up that the 32-year-old could be dreading, given the Norwegian’s extraordinary scoring form since his summer move to England.
Sticking with the update from Jones, it’s astonishing as to how the situation has developed, with West Ham now open to keeping the 52-goal defensive colossus at the club.
Dawson’s level of consistency has seen him become a fan favourite at the London Stadium, with many supporters very appreciative of his goalscoring output in particular (nine in 76 games for the club), especially considering his position as a centre-back.
His effect both on and off the pitch since his initial loan spell at the club in 2020 has been significant for a West Ham side which has finished in the top seven in the last two Premier League seasons.
His identity as a senior player in the squad has seen him trusted hugely by David Moyes, making 34 appearances in the Premier League last term (starting 30 times) and featuring 10 times in the Irons’ run to the Europa League semi-finals.
Therefore, it’s little wonder why Jones has said that West Ham want to keep Dawson around but will do him the courtesy of allowing him to have the final say on his future.
