West Ham United were keen to get hold of Besiktas’ veteran defensive midfielder Gary Medel in the January transfer window, and reports suggest they might have another go at signing the player come summer.
Manager Manuel Pellegrini has stated it clearly that Medel was on their wish-list last month and the Hammers were keen to churn a deal.
Although the Premier League outfit were unsuccessful in their approach, they haven’t given up their chase yet.
Football.london claim that reports in Turkey suggest West Ham United are still keen to sign Medel once the transfer window reopens in the summer.
It has also been claimed that the Chilean international regrets not having joined Pellegrini’s side last month, and is open to a move.
Gary Medel: Player Profile
Medel would be a good signing for the Irons. He has volumes of experience under his belt and is a battle-hardened defensive midfielder.
The Chilean earned rave reviews during his days with Boca Juniors early in his career, which resulted in a move to Sevilla.
Medel then mustered a brief spell in England as he plied his trade for Cardiff City for a season before moving to Inter Milan.
Currently on the books of Besiktas, the 31-year old averages 2.1 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 2.5 clearances a game in the Turkish league.
Apart from being a proven player at club level, Medel has featured regularly for the Chilean national side and rose to prominence in Marcelo Bielsa’s high-intensity approach during the 2010 World Cup.
Why Medel would be a smart addition to West Ham United
Versatility is arguably Medel’s strongest assets, for he is capable enough to operate effectively as a central defensive midfielder, central defender as well as a right-back.
Medel is an astute passer of the ball, and loves a tackle or two in the middle of the park. In fact, his tenacious approach was a key facet of the Chilean team that has so much success under Jorge Sampaoli, after Bielsa.
Pellegrini has been short of defensive midfielders at times as Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere have been on the treatment table for the major chunk of the season.
Lack of players in the aforesaid position forced Pellegrini to use a traditional centre-back in Declan Rice to cater to his side’s defensive midfielder’s needs.
Although Rice has had a spectacular season, Pellegrini should look for reinforcements in the summer to add more depth and quality to the squad.
And Medel is the perfect option as he still has a few years left at the top level.
Statistics Credits: Whoscored
