West Ham would be wise to target defensive reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side are languishing in mid-table following an inconsistent start to the Premier League season. The Hammer invested heavily in the playing squad in the summer transfer window, but their spending is yet to transition to good results on the pitch. Defender Issa Diop has made a decent start to life in England, but West Ham have kept just one clean sheet in their last 14 fixtures.
Defensive reinforcements should be targeted when the January transfer window opens in less than one month.
To add stability to his back four, Pellegrini should make a move for Real Sociedad superstar – Diego Llorente. Valued at £15.75m by Transfermarkt, the Spaniard joined his current club last summer after failing to break into the first-team at Real Madrid. Llorente instantly developed into a key player for his new employers and ended the season with 27 La Liga appearances.
His excellent form has continued into the new season before an injury hampered his progress. Despite his spell on the sidelines, Llorente remains a top defender who would thrive in the Premier League. A modern-day defender, the Spain international excels with the ball at his feet and loves starting attacks from the defence. The 25-year-old is improving with every game and working with a coach like Pellegrini could do wonders for his development.
Llorente is also comfortable at right-back and would add excellent cover for Pablo Zabaleta with Ryan Fredericks out injured – the Spaniard is also comfortable at defensive midfield. If West Ham could lure him to the Premier League, it would prove to be a masterstroke.
West Ham fans, thoughts?