West Ham united have a chance to make a quick profit this summer by selling James Ward-Prowse, whilst improving greatly as a team at the same time.
Firstly, it has to be said that James Ward-Prowse was more than decent for West Ham last season, after David Moyes brought him to the London Stadium from Southampton for around £30 million.
The 29-year-old was an ever present figure in the Hammers midfield, and he was an extremely consistent performer.
His poor displays usually coincided with Moyes bizarrely shoe-horning him in the left wing role. Those rare performances aside though, Ward-Prowse didn’t let us down.
However, we need to talk about the elephant in the room. The former Southampton man lacks any kind of power, athleticism or mobility – three attributes that are absolutely vital in the Premier League now.
In fact, West Ham’s midfield in general lacked all of those qualities last term, and Julen Lopetegui absolutely has to address that particular weakness this summer.
The Hammers boss has a budget of around £90 million – so he’s hardly flush with cash. However, Lopetegui can turn a quick profit for West Ham by selling Ward-Prowse this summer, and bringing in a player who’d be a huge upgrade on the Englishman…
West Ham can improve instantly by replacing James Ward-Prowse
So, the 29-year-old could be sold for a decent fee this summer, with numerous clubs in the Premier League looking for proven, experienced quality in the top flight, including the three promoted teams.
Sean Whetstone recently mooted the potential sale of Ward-Prowse, and I think there’s every chance that it could happen.
I firmly believe that we could pick up at least £20 million for the former Saints man. And whilst I don’t think that selling him should be a priority this summer, moving him on and bringing in someone who has power, pace and energy in abundance to replace him is an opportunity that we can’t afford to miss out on.
The real bonus is that the player in question is apparently available for under £20 million.
Youssouf Fofana is someone who the Hammers have chased for quite some time now, and he is said to be available for just £13 million!
The 25-year-old is an absolute powerhouse box-to-box midfielder, and he possesses all of the attributes that West Ham are currently lacking in the middle of the park.
However, he’s not all about just pace and power. The Frenchman is very good with the ball at his feet. He has been described as an ‘unreal’ midfielder by Monaco’s official website.
In 32 games for Monaco last season, Fofana bagged four goals and four assists. During those appearances, he averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and one clearance per game (Who Scored).
If West Ham sell James Ward-Prowse for, let’s say £20 million – and there’s every chance we will – and sign Youssouf Fofana for £13 million, that would be unbelievably good business for us.
I just really hope that the powers that be at the London Stadium are trying to make it happen this summer.
READ ALSO:
Moyes shows whole world why he lost West Ham job during Scotland vs Switzerland clash
Fellow player says Lucas Paqueta should be banned for 40 years for betting breaches
West Ham on verge of dream centre-back partnership as Julen Lopetegui eyes stunning double deal