West Ham United fans will feel slightly relieved that their side managed to secure all three points in what was a very nervy encounter at the London Stadium against Huddersfield Town yesterday, as Javier Hernandez’s late brace saved the day for the Hammers.
Of course, conceding three goals against the worst side in the Premier League may be a slight worry for supporters, so they’ll be relieved to hear that Manuel Pellegrini is already eyeing a central defender.
What’s the news?
According to La Segunda (via Hammers.News), West Ham are expected to return for Alaves’ Guillermo Maripan in the summer transfer window after reportedly failing to sign him back in January.
The Chile international has featured 24 times in all competitions for La Liga side Alaves in the current campaign and he’s managed to produce a rather impressive two goals and two assists.
The Verdict:
West Ham United fans will agree that defensive reinforcements are definitely required in the summer transfer window as the likes of Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna have struggled to keep things tight at the heart of the defence.
Fabian Balbuena was a key performer prior to suffering his injury but he’s had to settle for a place on the substitutes’ bench in recent times, which comes as some surprise.
Guillermo Maripan, who is valued at £6.75 million (by Transfermarkt), has been one of the shining lights for Alaves in the current campaign and he’s been a shock contributor in the final third, so he could definitely have a positive influence in all areas of the field at the London Stadium.
West Ham United fans, do you think Maripan is better than what you’ve already got?
