West Ham Expect To Keep Surprise Star Beyond Season

West Ham signed Craig Dawson on loan from Watford during the summer window and have been surprisingly pleased with the defender’s progress.

According to the Watford Observer, West Ham are willing to convert Craig Dawson‘s loan into a permanent deal at the end of the season. The 30-year-old has impressed since coming into the team keeping clean sheets in each of his three games. Dawson also scored the winning goal in the FA Cup match against Stockport.

After signing for the Hammers, Dawson quickly became a forgotten man at the club. The Englishman was well down the pecking order and was very much an emergency defender. With the poor form of Issa Diop and fatigue suffering Fabian Balbuena, Dawson was given a chance.

Since making his shock debut for the club against Southampton Dawson hasn’t looked back. The defender has hardly put a foot wrong on the pitch other than confusing Che Adams‘ head for the ball on his debut.

A deal for Dawson is likely to cost West Ham next to nothing. Before joining the club on loan the original deal included an option to make a loan permanent for £1million. It would be believed that any deal in the summer would include a similar fee.

West Ham could also try and make his loan permanent this month instead of the summer. The Hammers are in the market for players but are unable to loan any domestic players due to being at their limit. If Dawson’s loan was made permanent now it would free up a space for a loan signing now.

One concern revolving Dawson is his ability to become dizzy during matches. This problem was seen in games against Everton and Stockport. The Hammers will have to make sure that it is not a long-term medical issue. If it is not the Hammers could pick up an experienced defender for very little money.