Quite a lot was expected of West Ham in the summer when they signed some talented players. However, the side flattered to deceive and were in the relegation zone which led to Slaven Bilic’s departure. Though they have fared better under new manager David Moyes, the Scot is expected to sign a few players and stamp his authority on the squad.
Though relegation is unlikely for the Hammers, the competitiveness of the league means no one can never be sure. The side are just two points above the relegation zone, so adding freshness to the squad is imperative, cause they don’t really have the most balanced squad, do they?
In a bid to add more quality to the midfield, West Ham have been linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey. Reports indicate the two clubs could settle on a £12 million deal that’ll see Shelvey move to the London Stadium.
West Ham’s midfield has looked a bit lightweight at times. The likes of Kouyaté and Noble haven’t really impressed consistently and the need to add numbers to the midfield is imperative. Having said that, the addition of someone enigmatic like Shelvey might not be the best of ideas.
Shelvey divides opinion like no other player at Newcastle United. While it’s clear that he is pretty talented, but he often lets his bad temperament get the better of him. Shelvey has already picked up two red cards this season and has started just 11 times despite being fit for a majority of the season. Well, that pretty much shows how much faith Rafa Benitez has in him to get the job done.
If it wasn’t for his mindset, though, he would have been a good fit at West Ham. Shelvey can play as a box to box midfielder and his range is passing is an asset. With the wide players the Hammers have, his ability on the counter-attack can pay dividends, that is if he is still on the pitch without attempting to break someone’s ankles.
The Hammers need some cutting edge in the midfield, someone of Shelvey’s mould. But it’s not as if there aren’t any better players out there. But it’s pretty likely the deal will move forward considering Newcastle aren’t making proper use of the midfielder. They could so with the funds to invest elsewhere in the squad, so Shelvey could don the West Ham jersey pretty soon.
