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Which free agents should West Ham pursue?

By Henry Tomlinson

BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Jeff Hendrick of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Chelsea FC at Turf Moor on October 26, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
BURNLEY, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 26: Jeff Hendrick of Burnley during the Premier League match between Burnley FC and Chelsea FC at Turf Moor on October 26, 2019 in Burnley, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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As the transfer window is now open and teams are strengthening, cash strapped West Ham may have to go a different path to strengthen their side.

Even though West Ham is being linked to a lot of players that would help the club finish high up the table then sixteenth. It appears that the club is struggling to find funds for the exciting transfers for Eberechi Eze, Said Benrahma or Matty Cash. Especially after the club made the loan of Tomas Soucek permanent, costing the club around £15 million.

It may be frowned upon but the Hammers could exploit the free-agent market in order to improve their side. There are some potential bargains knocking about that could be persuaded into the joining David Moyes side.

JEFF HENDRICK

The former Burnley man, Jeff Hendrick, was linked to AC Milan but a deal has appeared to have fallen through due to COVID-19. Hendrick is a very capable midfielder who can help protect the back four and chip in with goal contributions.

The Republic of Ireland national team member made twenty-four appearances for the Clarets in the Premier League last season. The 28-year-old scored two and assisted two goals while also putting in 0.8 tackles and 0.8 interceptions per game according to whoscored. Hendrick could become an important squad player for West Ham who is not able to rely on the fitness of Jack Wilshere and must start planning for the retirement of Mark Noble.

Chances of happening 6/10

Malang Sarr

Nice’s French defender Malang Sarr celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice (OGCN) and Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Allianz Riviera stadium, in Nice, southeastern France, on December 21, 2019. (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU / AFP) (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice’s French defender Malang Sarr celebrates after scoring a goal during the French L1 football match between OGC Nice (OGCN) and Toulouse FC (TFC) at the Allianz Riviera stadium, in Nice, southeastern France, on December 21, 2019. (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU / AFP) (Photo by YANN COATSALIOU/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Possibly the most wanted free agent of the summer. Malang Sarr has had an incredible rise in Ligue 1. The centre-back may have only played 19 matches last season but was brilliant in the centre of the Nice defence.

Sarr per ninety minutes averaged 1 tackle, 1.9 interceptions and 1.5 clearances according to whoscored. The French under 21 international has made over 100 top league appearances for Nice and shows experience beyond his years.

West Ham would be able to afford the players wages but would be facing competition from all around Europe for Sarr’s signature. Arsenal appears to be the front runners, but West ham could guarantee him playing time as Issa Diop‘s form has been shaky and Angelo Ogbonna is not getting any younger.

Chances of happening 3/10

Ryan Fraser

BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Ryan Fraser of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)
BOURNEMOUTH, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Ryan Fraser of AFC Bournemouth during the Premier League match between AFC Bournemouth and Manchester United at Vitality Stadium on November 2, 2019 in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

Ryan Fraser has been without a club since June after his contract expired. The scot was linked with big moves last summer after he had an amazing 2018-19 season. A dream move to Arsenal never materialised however and he remained at Bournemouth.

This season has seen Fraser take a step back in his career. The 27-year-old was supposed to be hitting his prime but instead, he has struggled to make an impact in a related Cherries side. It would understand a dip in the players form as he was probably trying to protect himself from a career-destroying injury, especially at the age he is.

Fraser may start to become desperate as his hunt for a club has probably dragged on longer than he expected. The Scottish international is still capable of producing some brilliant football and needs a change of scenery in order to re-find his form.

Chances of happening 7/10

Next. Race for West Ham target Matty Cash hotting up. dark

If West Ham is unable to land their top targets, there is still some quality on the free-agent market. Fraser, Sarr and Hendrick could all become good members for in the West Ham squad. But if Moyes is to succeed at West Ham he needs to be backed with transfer funds.