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West Ham: Three Players That Need Long-Term Contract Extensions

By Henry Tomlinson

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Grady Diangana of West Ham in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium on August 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 03: Grady Diangana of West Ham in action during the Pre-Season Friendly match between West Ham United and Athletic Bilbao at the Olympic Stadium on August 03, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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Felipe Anderson

West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson celebrates after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Bournemouth at The London Stadium, in east London on January 1, 2020. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images)
West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson celebrates after scoring their fourth goal during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Bournemouth at The London Stadium, in east London on January 1, 2020. (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or ‘live’ services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP via Getty Images) /

The one-time West Ham United record signing contract runs out in 2022 and it is crucial it is extended for the Hammers. Anderson was one of West Ham’s best players last season, the Brazilian scored ten goals and assisted four in all competitions.

This form by Anderson was crucial for West Ham’s top-half finish last season. This season, however, the 27-year-old has struggled for form. Anderson has only scored once this current season, that is far under what was expected from a player of his ability.

Anderson’s stats might be far below last season but he remains an important member of the Hammers team. The Brazilian has still assisted the same amount of goals as he did in the previous campaign showing he still able to create chances for the team.

This season has been hard to judge much of the West Ham squad and Anderson has taken his fair bunch of criticism from fans. It is important to remember that the side suffers majorly going forward when Anderson is absent.

Anderson’s contract should be extended for a couple of reasons, one is his footballing ability. If thee winger discovers his form of last season and starts to show his brilliance that the West Ham fans know he is capable of. Then Anderson can become one of the clubs most important attacking players.

The next reason is Anderson’s inevitable exit from West Ham. With the transfer market taking a huge hit due to the Coronavirus Pandemic transfer fees could drop hugely. This means that if the Hammers were to sell the Brazilian they would stand to lose a lot from their original investment.

At the end of next season, Anderson will only have one year remaining on his contract and the club would risk losing him for nothing the following year. This would be far from ideal considering what Anderson cost the club initially. Extending his contract would give the clubs hierarchy the best possible negotiating position.