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So, West Ham isn’t getting Andre Gomes. Now what?

By Adam Smith

BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 05: Andre Gomes of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group D match between FC Barcelona and Sporting CP at Camp Nou on December 5, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
BARCELONA, SPAIN - DECEMBER 05: Andre Gomes of FC Barcelona controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League group D match between FC Barcelona and Sporting CP at Camp Nou on December 5, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) /
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West Ham upped their bid this week for Barcelona midfielder and Everton standout last season, Andre Gomes. Instead of a player, they got the truth – that he wants to return to Everton. Now what for Pellegrini and the Hammers?

It appears the top two targets for the summer transfer window are now off the table for West Ham. Maxi Gomez has picked up attention from more influential clubs due to his terrific season, and now Andre Gomes reveals he wants to return to Everton over West Ham.

While the jury appears to still be out on Gomez, I can’t hold anything against Gomes’ reasons for wanting to return to Everton. Portuguese international, “flop” at one of the biggest clubs in the world, then embraced by Everton supporters as the truly gifted player he is. I probably wouldn’t want to leave, either.

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Everton has supposedly helped clarify and resolve some mental health issues for Gomes and I’m sure almost guaranteed time as a starting footballer has helped settle his mind down after the immense pressure of playing for Barcelona. He has his reasons, hasn’t been disrespectful to us, and now Pellegrini must move on.

Midfielders are key this summer but, as the case usually seems to be, they are a hot commodity. Clearly, West Ham wanted a young, talented player who can patrol box-to-box and were reported to be all in on the £25-£30m fee associated with Gomes to make that deal. Now the money must be spent elsewhere and quickly.

We know some names of targets: Ceballos, Shelvey, Hayden. All would be a welcomed addition to the team in the absence of Obiang, but Pellegrini should look to bring in ONE midfielder who justifies a high dollar value, rather than overcrowd the team. Strikers are still needed, as well a center-half; midfield support is crucial but not the only issue for this team to address in the window.

Could, perhaps, the likes of Kevin Strootman of Marseille be on the radar now? The 29-year-old played at Juventus prior to heading to France and brings the winning pedigree Pellegrini is looking to instill into his team. Transfermakt has him valued at £20m, which is high, especially for a not-so-young player, but could his box-to-box play be what West Ham need?

It’s obvious that Pellegrini and Husillos have a laundry list of players for the summer transfer window. I just pray that they look to conclude business quickly and get this team into shape as soon as possible.