West Ham Transfer Update: Mo Diame? More like No Diame

West Ham have been linked with out-of-contract Newcastle midfielder and former Hammer Mo Diame. I believe I can speak for most West Ham supporters and say: No Diame.

A move for an out of contract 31-year-old midfielder? What is this, the January transfer window? All jokes aside, Mo Diame fits a need at West Ham in the defensive midfield, but completely goes against the new transfer policy.

The desire to pass on aging, proven talents for more youthful, prospective players is Manuel Pellegrini and Mario Husillos’ plan moving forward. As mentioned, Diame doesn’t come close to fitting this mindset. His signing seems to be more of a Bilic era deal:

While experience is important to have in a squad, the Hammers have Noble, Zabaleta, Antonio, Lanzini, Fabianski, Cresswell, and Snodgrass all currently on the team and likely to be here come August. There is a strong, experienced leadership core here providing another reason Diame’s fit at West Ham doesn’t make sense right now. However, that could change if player personnel abruptly changes.

The change would come from Carlos Sanchez being moved out. This seems like a longshot after Pellegrini committed to Sanchez getting an opportunity to impress for next season this summer, but if a better, more reliable option is out there, why wouldn’t Pellegrini kick the tires?

Diame impressed me in a prematch scout of him ahead of West Ham’s first matchup with Newcastle this season. Yes, I’m serious. Until December, Diame was leading the Premier League in tackles, and not until sustaining an injury did he lose his spot in the Magpies midfield.

West Ham and Diame are not a good fit, not when West Ham are supposed to be pushing on and taking the next step. If Diame ends up edging out Sanchez come deadline day, great, but the Irons prioritizing his signing would be a concerning move. As for now, it’s No Diame for me.