West Ham United had a good season under Manuel Pellegrini, and they will look to push further next season. The Hammers have a talented attack and a few additions to their squad could help them challenge the likes of Wolves for a European spot.
The London club have now been linked with a move for Barcelona’s Andre Gomes, who was on loan at Premier League club Everton in the 2018-19 season.
Sky Sports claim that the Hammers placed a bid of £18 million for the Portuguese midfielder, which has been rejected by the Catalan club.
Barcelona would accept bids between the £25-35 million region for Gomes, as per the report. Arsenal were also reportedly interested in signing the midfielder.
Gomes joined Barcelona in 2016 from Valencia, but left the club on loan after two seasons with the Spanish club. He played an entire season for Everton, playing 29 games for the club, scoring one goal and managing one assist.
The Portuguese international has been an integral part of the national team after making his debut in 2014, and has also won the Primera Liga, and Copa del Rey with Barcelona in the two seasons that he was with the club.
Should West Ham pay £35 million for Andre Gomes?
The Portuguese international’s goals and assists stats might not make him look impressive on paper, but has a big influence on how his team play.
The silky footballer has quick feet, is calm in possession, and distributes the ball well from midfield. His short and swift passing can help build attacks and help drive the team forward. Gomes is a great link player who can string a few good passes to take the opposition away from the ball and open up space.
The Barcelona midfielder is also good in the air, using his 6’2″ height to good effect to win duels in the air.
West Ham United have played Declan Rice, Mark Noble, and Robert Snodgrass in midfield this season, and Gomes would be a significant upgrade, and also has different qualities to the three midfielders mentioned above.
With Rice and Noble doing the dirty work in midfield, Gomes could be the person who plays forward balls from midfield, and control the tempo of the game if he signs for the club.
Gomes should be at the top of Pellegrini’s wishlist if he becomes available for the Hammers.
