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Three budget left backs that could solve West Ham’s issues

By Scott Johnson

Calvin Verdonk of FC Twente during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Utrecht and FC Twente Enschede at the Galgenwaard Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Utrecht, The Netherlands(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images)
Calvin Verdonk of FC Twente during the Dutch Eredivisie match between FC Utrecht and FC Twente Enschede at the Galgenwaard Stadium on February 23, 2020 in Utrecht, The Netherlands(Photo by ANP Sport via Getty Images) /
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Every West Ham article mentions our complete lack of transfer budget. So we probably can’t just look at top teams, then point at their players and say I want that one.

So the club will need to be relatively creative in order to sign players that will improve the side. And anyone that knows West Ham will be able to say that creative, successful and signings are not words usually associated with the club. So there isn’t too much hope around the fan base.

But I think there are some potential bargains to be had. Whilst the coronavirus has wiped West Ham’s earnings, it’s also impacted others, meaning smaller offers than you’d think might have to be accepted. So here are my three picks for budget offerings that could work for the Hammers at strengthening the left-back position.

Antonee Robinson

BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Antonee Robinson of Wigan Athletic turns away from Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park on December 23, 2019 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
BLACKBURN, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 23: Antonee Robinson of Wigan Athletic turns away from Ryan Nyambe of Blackburn Rovers during the Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic at Ewood Park on December 23, 2019 in Blackburn, England. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images) /

A couple of hours away from joining Milan in the previous window, but now facing life in League One as Wigan’s relegation was confirmed yesterday, Robinson is probably looking for a way out. And given Wigan’s financial position, I would imagine it’s going to be a small fee that gets the job done. Some on social media have said it could be under 2m, which would be a bargain in today’s market.

Trying our best to adjust for the fact he was in a Wigan side who struggled to make a mark on the Championship, even before their 12 point deduction, Robinson is a fair prospect. Whoscored have him with 1 goal and 1 assist for the season, in which he played 38 games. Robinson also contributed almost one key pass and one cross per game to show his creative side, something that’s increasingly important for full-backs in the modern game.

Defensively he offered up a 67% success rate on his tacking, a 50% success rate in the air and 2 interceptions per game. Aaron Cresswell averages around 1 interception per game and 1.4 tackles, whilst Robinson’s are at 2.2 interceptions and 2 tackles. Obviously the Premier League is a higher quality league, but at 30 years old this is Cresswell at the peak of his career, whilst Robinson has years to grow at 22 years old.

So, if he is available for less than 2m, I think he’s worth a shot. Cresswell hasn’t been solid despite playing regularly, and Arthur Masuaku has not earned any of Moyes’ trust it seems. And as he’s got British citizenship, we won’t have to worry about any weird rules that will come in once Brexit is finally confirmed. And the same goes for my next pick

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