Gary Medel move seems to be approaching final stages
West Ham are reportedly set to up their bid for Besiktas and Chile player Gary Medel. Pellegrini is targeting versatile, covering players in January and looks prepared to meet the asking price.
If getting Nasri was signing a player who has done well in previous time in the Premier League, Medel is the opposite. After failing to keep Cardiff in the Premier League it does raise questions about why West Ham are interested. But Pellegrini is being backed in the market and he reportedly wants the fiesty player.
I think the biggest thing supporting the move is that the manager is after versatile cover. Too many of the players we currently have are unable to play in multiple positions, and whilst Medel does remind me of a bull in a China shop in both approach to the game and looks, he certainly does cover areas we need. I mean, do we really want to see Antonio play at right back again?
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The move is reportedly being discussed for a fee of around 10m. The Hammers are trying hard tro get the move done soon, and want it done for less. However the Turkish club are in no hurry to sell, so I imagine the final fee will be close to what Besiktas are demanding. And if he does provide the cover Pellegrini wants, it’s not a bad fee.
The issue I have is I don’t trust him. He is particularly aggressive and has a tendency to get drawn into contests that do not benefit the team. I can’t say I’ve paid particular attention to his technical abilities during his time, but he doesn’t catch the eye. He is likely going to spend a lot of time charging around as a defensive midfielder or at right back when the ever reliable Zabaleta is not up to playing.
All in all it’s not an inspiring move, but it’s one I understand in January. We’re in a position where we don’t particularly need 1st team players, but backups. This move fits in with what we need, on paper, and I’m sure Pellegrini knows what he’s getting in to. However that doesn’t mean I like it. I don’t particularly enjoy players like Medel joining the club.