Is Alfie Mawson the answer for West Ham at centreback?

West Ham are rumoured to be bidding bid on Swansea’s Alfie Mawson. But is he the centreback the Hammers need?

January is a good chance for clubs to strengthen areas they need. But they also need to be cautious. There are crazy prices being thrown around in the name of improvement, but this isn’t always the best policy. So whilst West Ham are looking at Alfie Mawson, would he be worth the outlay?

Using some statistical analysis from Whoscored and transfermarkt.com, is Alfie Mawson worth the reported 25m+ that it would cost to sign him?

Value

According to Transfermarkt, Mawson has a standalone value of 10m. I talk about standalone value because there are three modifying factors in his value, and they all increase it.

More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham

• Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
• West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
• Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
• Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
• West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid

Firstly, it’s January. It’s well accepted that in January prices are inflated because of the short time business is allowed. Without much time to sign replacements clubs ask for big money as compensation. As such the Hammers will have to pay an increased fee.

Secondly, we need a defender, and Swansea are in a bad position themselves. The Welsh club are in the relegation zone and will not want to sell one of their prized assets. As such, we have to pay as we’re known to need a defender, and Swansea don’t want to sell. Simple Demand and Supply.

And thirdly, he’s English. And the English Player Premium is a phenomenon that is well known in the Premier League. Players end up going for well above their normal price, just because of their place of birth. Maybe there’s an increased marketing value in the player though so this is something the Hammers will also have to pay for.

As such, a fee of between 20 and 25m would probably be justified. Maguire of Leicester would probably command a similar fee, and they are listed as similar players by the website. I don’t think he’ll come cheaper than around 22 or 23m at best. A fee of around 27m may be necessary to get Swansea to let him go.

Must Read: Masuaku needs to keep on improving

The Player

The above picture is from Whoscored, and nicely lays out Mawson’s strengths and weaknesses. The obvious concern straight away is that his tackling isn’t particularly impressive. Given he would be at centreback, and most likely in a back three (at least until the end of the season), that’s a big worry. He will have to get stuck in playing in that role.

However his strength in aerial duels, alongside the ability to bring the ball out from the back himself is very positive. Whilst he likes to play long balls, he does have a solid pass completion rate. From squakwa, you can see how he compares to our current centrebacks below.

Verdict

Whilst he is young and raw, he’s certainly got talent. And the fact that he can look half decent whilst in a struggling Swansea side is a good sign. The fact is, after having a proper look at the stats and during a game, West Ham could do a lot worse.

Next: Hammers looking at midfield options

Given his age and ability I think a proper move for him would be worth it. If the Hammers can get a deal done for under 25m it would be a good piece of business in my eyes, both for the future and for the rest of the season.