West Ham should look to the Championship to bolster squad
As West Ham United prepares for a new season that includes the Europa League, looking at Championship players isn’t taking a step back; rather a forward one.
If anything has become for certain over the past season for West Ham, David Moyes can be trusted with his transfer ideas. Over 16 months ago, Moyes needed the Hammers more than they wanted or needed him. Now, after a top-six campaign, the tides have turned. With it comes trust, admiration, and a new three-year deal.
Since the Scot came back to West Ham, they signed three players out of the EFL Championship. Jarrod Bowen, Said Benrahma, and Craig Dawson all came to the Hammers out of the EFL’s second division. Bowen brought hope, Beni brought the hype, and Dawson; skepticism.
All three of the previous Championship players added a difference to the squad and helped the Hammers earn top marks this season. So, as mentioned at the top, looking to the Championship shouldn’t be considered looking backward, better yet looking to add on what already has been accomplished.
West Ham should look to the Championship to bolster squad
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The obvious choice in Adam Armstrong
The Blackburn Rovers hitman looks like he will cost the club around £20 million if they want his likeness in the claret and blue. The downside to that fee is that Armstrong only has 12 months left on his current contract. Although pricey, the 24-year-old striker can bring a lot to the table.
Armstong can very much be viewed as another Antonio or Bowen. He lacks the size of Michail Antonio, but his strength and work rate match well. Besides all three of these lads coming for the Championship and constantly giving it their all, they all have a knack to keep the play alive. This past season, Armstrong netted 28 goals while assisting his teammates five times.
Benrahma/Bowen part three
The aforementioned Championship duo of Beni and Bowen certainly add to the core and depth of West Ham, but the Hammers should look at this attacking midfielder and loves the flanks. That player, Matheus Pereira. The 25-year-old Brazilian is fast, electric, and an assist king. Over the past two seasons with West Brom, he helped contribute 42 goals (23 of those were assists).
The words unselfish and teammate come to mind when thinking about Pereira. It is suggested that he would cost the Hammers £22 million, so not bad. Pereira is a genuinegame-changer. The Baggies ace owns a nasty delivery from set-pieces and has an overabundance of technical skill. If the Hammers don’t bag Jesse Lingard, this would be a solid second choice.
If the transfer fees are even remotely accurate, this seems too much for West Ham and Moyes. Both Armstrong and Pereira can help set pieces (I.E., crossed from Matheus and penalties from Adam), but skill, the asking prices would be too much to bag both.
Next. West Ham: Keeping David Moyes will be the best deal of the summer. dark
Over the next few months, whatever happens, know that David Moyes will get the players that he wants and needs to succeed. If the Hammers end up with either of these two Championship bread players, West Ham will be in for a treat because they will be ready to play and show that they belong.