The joy from West Ham bringing in so many outstanding transfers has now in part turned to frustration due to the number of players not performing but also let go in previous windows.
The one consistent voice for many West Ham fans this season is that the Hammers are missing a few key links. Oddly enough, just under a year ago this same squad had those key players yet decided to let them go. We look at the top transfers out… that should have stayed.
3. Marko Arnautovic
I’ll take players that helped ruin a club for 500 Alex! Yet still… we could probably be using the Austrian International upfront. When Mark Arnautovic left the Hammers left summer many were rejoicing, as was always up and down threatening to leave. Yet now, couldn’t the Hammers use him up top with the likes of Haller?
He will probably be the most highly touted name on this list, however, he comes in at 3rd place only due to his personality and lack of “want to” at times. His character along sides with Haller’s sometimes lack of something might’ve been a bad mix of traits but man… those two could also have to potential to send EPL defenders into a tizzy.
2. Pedro Obiang
Yes, West Ham now has Tomas Soucek and Pablo Fornals playing at their best and securing roles in the midfield but there was a time when they surly missed the abilities of Pedro Obiang. His presence alone in the midfield might have helped save the Hammer fall over the winter period and seeing greener pastures right now.
Now in his return to the Italian Serie A, he is still doing what he does best, defend the midfield and move the ball up well to the attacking force. Even with a packed house at the London Stadium in the midfield roles, he would be an amazing addition when needed and could bring some club leadership when required from longer-tenured players that know how to beat Spurs.
1. Lucas Perez
Now before you go and close out this article in anger, here this… this season he has revitalized himself in Spain scoring 11 goals and assisting 5 times and has gone from being valued really poorly to back where he was when scoring goals for the Gooners week in and week out. Yes, West Ham could use Lucas Perez in a big way right now.
He never really got going at West Ham and when he was used, it was always after a long time off or not playing in a suited role in the formation. Putting his abilities to seek out the ball and playing well off of the other attackers and that Hammers front looks a lot different. Getting him in next to Sebastien Haller at key times would be vital for the club and a weirdly missed piece of the squad.
It’s funny looking back now because at least 2 or 3 of these players were slated constantly and the news of their departure was highly praised yet here we are 9 months later and they could be exactly who the Hammers need. Since then, Moyes has done well in filling these holes with Soucek and Bowen but there is a weird feeling that maybe a few of these boys should’ve stayed.