Could West Ham embark on double Sunderland raid in summer?
It seems mean to start picking over the remains of a relegated team. But that’s what West Ham must begin to do.
Now that, barring freak results, West Ham are safe this season, they must look to the next year. So one of the best places to start hunting is the remains of a relegated team. After all, a lot of them will want to carry on playing in the Premier League.
As it goes, you have to be careful picking up the pieces. Obviously some of the players aren’t up to Premier League quality, otherwise they would have stayed up. But some will be. The Hammers should be looking at two of them in particular.
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Pickford
The young British keeper is one of the best youth prospects currently playing in the Premier League. That combined with the fact the Hammers keepers have not covered themselves in glory this season means that Pickford has to be one of the potential candidates for a swoop this summer.
Whether it would be as a first choice or second would be an interesting point. Obviously the youngster has done well this season, but is he just shining amidst the gloom? Will he be exposed when his mistakes are a greater proportion of the defences errors?
Either way, because he is a young British player it will be a premium cost. The Hammers will be careful, but if they could get a bargain this would be a very savvy purchase.
Defoe
It was rumoured to be happening in January, but it didn’t. The ex Hammers striker stayed to try and keep his team up but it didn’t happen. As such, it would be understandable that the striker would now be a target for a short term deal in the summer.
When Bilic said earlier in the season that all the team was lacking was goals I had to laugh. This was at a time when we were regularly conceding 3 or more a game. But the last few games the side have strengthened. Now a little smart thinking in front of goal is the difference between them now and the top half.
Next: Do Hammers need Sturridge?
The veteran Premier League striker doesn’t have long, but he could play a useful year at the club. He would also have to not be the only striker signing made in the summer. He would be a strong addition, but he can’t lead the line for the whole season. West Ham must look at these two players and try and get the best value possible.