Having moved six points away from the drop zone, David Moyes will be confident of his side’s top-flight chances next season and is already planning for the future. The former Everton manager is desperate to add some quality to the first team before the start of the next season and has been linked with some exciting stars for a move this summer.
One link that refuses to die is West Ham United’s interest in Barcelona defender Yerry Mina.
Mina Open To Quit Barcelona:
A transfer target for the Hammers even in January, Mina is yet to establish himself in the first team at Camp Nou this season and is already looking for an exit. Reports from Spain claim that Ernesto Valverde is happy to let him leave, but only on loan and it is understood that the Premier League is his preferred destination.
The likes of Villarreal and Girona are also interested in Mina but reports claim that West Ham are in the best position to land him this summer. What will he bring to London?
Mina And His Reputation:
Born and brought up in Colombia, the 23-year old spent three successful seasons with Palmeiras and Santa Fe, all the while being linked with a move to some of the top clubs in Europe. Barcelona scouted him for over a year before finally landing him in the January transfer window this season and have already handed him his Camp Nou debut, in the 0-0 draw against Getafe recently.
He showed great composure and maturity beyond his age in that game, promising a lot more in the near future. Known for his ability with the ball at his feet, Mina is a marauding CB, who loves to dominate his box. He loves to throw himself around but rarely gives fouls away, thanks to his understanding of the game.
He is strong in the air and in hold up play and can also keep up with the quickest wingers in Europe in a foot race. He is adept at winning the ball back quickly and in the game against Getafe, showed that he is ready for the biggest stage.
However, with the likes of Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti standing in his way to the first team, he will be tempted to move out on loan for regular first team chances and West Ham are a decent option.
Where Will He Fit In At London Stadium?
The Hammers have a plethora of options for the CB role at the moment in their squad. While Angelo Ogbonna has been the preferred choice at the back, the likes of Declan Rice and Aaron Cresswell have been used as a part of the back-3 to decent effect by Moyes this season.
They also have Winston Reid, who has been marred by injuries and James Collins, who is out of a contract at the end of the season, waiting in the wings. They have gotten rid of Jose Fonte in January leaving West Ham a bit thin for the next season.
Mina can not only walk into the first team at West Ham but is also an upgrade on every name on that list and will be a huge coup for Moyes.
