There is no doubt that the ownership gurus at West Ham are trying to broaden the brand on the Hammers worldwide. The scouting routine has changed since the hiring of Pellegrini and Co and West Ham are involved in a preseason tournament in China this offseason. With that in mind, the Hammers are currently linked to another foreign star that could boost their brand even further.
Reports as early as last week started coming out that the Hammers were interested in Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese star has most recently been playing in Germany but spent the 18/19 season on loan in Turkey with Besiktas. It seems the West Ham aren’t the only EPL club looking at him as Everton have also peaked interest in the box to box midfielder.
Andre Gomes Bid, Delph, Kagawa , Fernandes big accepted? Transfer Round Up with @TheLawless
— West Ham Fan TV (@westhamfantv) May 28, 2019
Watch Here: https://t.co/oZM9MGtAps pic.twitter.com/vfjMsOsY4z
The 30-year-old would be making his return to the EPL, having previously played for Manchester United from 2012 to 2014. In his 69 appearances for the Premier League side, Kagawa put in 6 goals and 10 assists. Most recently in Turkey, he appeared in 15 total matches scoring 4 times and assisting in 7 continuing an impressive goal every three games ratio.
On a more statistical note for Kagawa, he has contributed to this date in 510 matches for club and country. Stats aside, Shinji has a presence that can be felt on the pitch. His ability to get back to help on defense and immediately turn it back on and help on offense is a much-wanted attribute for West Ham and Pellegrini.
As previously mentioned by me, West Ham are also interested in Andre Gomes however, Kagawa would be cheaper, more realistic, and he is still at the football “prime” age. This move wouldn’t just be cheaper, it would help continue to build that previously mentioned brand in other parts of the world.
Reports from Germany for Ruhr Nachrichten, have West Ham favored to gain to the transfer of the Japanese born player but as we all know with transfers, only time can tell. This move would be an exciting one for me as West Ham could bring in someone with experience and skill to the club for the next few years.