If Fabian Delph signs, say goodbye to longtime Hammer
By Adam Smith
West Ham are linked to Manchester City gadget player Fabian Delph. While the signing would provide options and cover across the pitch it would certainly mean ‘goodbye’ to a longterm veteran.
Move over Gary Medel, Fabian Delph is the new midfield/fullback veteran player West Ham are apparently interested in. It makes more sense, too as Delph plays CM and left-back as the Hammers have Fredericks, Zabaleta, and Johnson who all naturally play right-back like Medel.
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The signing would be a shrewd one by Pellegrini and Co. Delph is a squad player at Manchester City currently and would push certain starters at West Ham for playing time. Obviously, he has experience in the top-6 and throughout European competition but he also boasts England international experience including being a part of the current League of Nations team.
This season for City, Delph played 20 matches and produced one assist. The goal production isn’t there, but that’s not what you’re getting with a defense-first style of player. Delph’s gadget applicability saw him play CM, DM, LB, and RB this season.
It’s clear that a Delph signing would push the likes of Mark Noble and Jack Wilshere for regular starts in central midfield. He doesn’t offer enough offensively to replace Lanzini, and he can’t touch Rice for defensive skill, but those aren’t the players West Ham would need to say goodbye to.
No, it would be Aaron Cresswell. The long-term left-back for West Ham would likely be gone should Delph be pursued by Pellegrini. Masuaku benched Cresswell for the last month of the season after taking the opportunity injury provided him, and teams have been sniffing around the English defender this window.
Will another defensive midfielder allow West Ham to play desired formation?. dark. Next
As a lifelong Liverpool fan, Cresswell is linked to Everton which would likely make his stomach turn, but for the rumored £8m fee, the Hammers may do business with their midtable competition. It would be sad to see Cresswell go, but Delph would bring familiarity, versatility, and a winning mentality to a team needing to take the next step. It could be solid business for Pellegrini this window.