CONFIRMED: West Ham’s Anderson joins FC Porto on loan

It has been confirmed that former West Ham record signing Felipe Anderson has joined FC Porto on a season-long loan deal.

Felipe Anderson leaves West Ham after only making two brief appearances in the Premier League this season, contributing to zero goals. The Brazilian winger had better success in the League Cup. Anderson made three appearances scoring one goal and making two assists.

David Moyes does not seem to have faith in the winger. The Scottish manager has hardly played Anderson since he rejoined the club in January. Moyes has preferred to play Pablo Fornals on the left-wing due to the Spaniards higher work rate.

Anderson joined the club in 2018 and was West Ham’s record signing at the time, costing the club almost £40 million. In the 27-year-olds first season, he scored ten times in all competitions and also provided four assists. Anderson’s first season was deemed a success and provided some memorable moments.

The Brazilian single-handedly dragged West Ham into the lead against Southampton after going 1-0 down.  Anderson’s first goal was a rocket from outside the box. The second showed off his pace as he rushed through on goal to finish spectacularly to win the game for the Hammers.

Anderson’s best moment in his debut campaign was with no doubt his wonder goal against Crystal Palace. In a 3-2 win over the Eagles, the Brazilian curled in a beautiful shot from 25-yards-out. The goal made fans think that he might have taken up the spot vacated by Dimitri Payet and become a new hero.

Last season was a disappointment for the Brazilian however, Anderson only managed one goal and four assists in what was a difficult season for the club. The wingers only goal came in Moyes’ first game back in charge, but then suffered a bad injury.

The injury kept Anderson out of the team, and when he had found his fitness, he failed to break back into the side. Now out on loan for the year, it may not be the end of Anderson’s time in a claret and blue shirt. The winger could return next summer and prove himself worthy of a place in the team.

West Ham’s issue is they do not have a recognised left-winger in the squad now. Fornals is naturally a centre-midfielder, and Grady Diangana was sold to West Brom. With this lack of depth, it could prompt the Hammers into a move for Brentford’s Said Benrahma.

The Algerian winger is a client of trusted agent Will Salthouse, therefore could be a viable replacement with the domestic transfer window still open.