The West Ham United fans in the Transfer Tavern are hoping to see a handful of new players arrive at the London Stadium this summer, and one player the supporters are particularly eager to sign is Joao Mario following his decent loan spell in East London.
The Portugal international moved to the club from Inter Milan on a temporary loan deal at the end of the January transfer window after making just 5 Serie A starts in the first-half of the season. The vast majority of the Hammers faithful lining up our bar were initially delighted to see their club secure the signature of a player of Mario’s calibre, and he managed to establish himself as a first-team regular under David Moyes.
Although the 25-year-old’s statistical return of 2 goals and 1 assist from 13 appearances doesn’t make for eye-catching reading, it appears the West Ham supporters were pleased by the impact he made during his short stint with the club.
After scoring a fantastic volleyed goal for the Portuguese national side on Monday evening, the supporters heaped praise on their former player (valued at £22.5 million by Transfermarkt) and took to Twitter to call for his return this summer.
Considering Manuel Pellegrini will aim to stamp his own style of football on the club, it seems unlikely that the Irons hierarchy will be writing a cheque to secure Mario’s signature on a permanent contract this summer, but it seems the supporters will be delighted if he eventually returns to London on a permanent or temporary deal.
Here’s what the West Ham fans have had to say about the possibility of re-signing Mario on Twitter…
https://twitter.com/Steveoldhammer/status/1001200443681394689
Sign him on again this season?
— Stuart Maller (@Stu_Maller) May 28, 2018
I think so mate I would be happy to see him sign up
— matt ghillyer (@Mattghillyer) May 28, 2018
Please @WestHamUtd buy him!
— Davide De Luca (@delucadav) May 29, 2018
@joaome17 please tell your agent you want to come back home & put on West Ham kit! Brilliant goal & next season be for us
— Joshua (@SchroerJr) May 28, 2018
Been one our beat Jan signings in year & wish we got deal down before WC. Bc price could go up more could be keen but think he likes it here & his quick on touch passing finds links others can & can hit a screamer. Add preseason & MP’s Possession based football
— Joshua (@SchroerJr) May 28, 2018
@WestHamUtd buy JoaoMario please!!
— Scipio (@LegionarioFC) May 29, 2018
Price just went up…
— Badger (@steve_coulston) May 28, 2018
