It seems that as of late, West Ham gets linked with more and more of the same transfer rumors each window. This yearly rumor is back, but should it be real?
Apparently, James Tarkowski is back on the West Ham radar once again. You wouldn’t have broken the bookie’s pockets with this bet, but could it work for the Hammers? Between Claret and Hugh, the Independent, and Football Insider, David Moyes and Co are very keen on bringing the English 28-year-old to the London Stadium.
C&H also have reported that Tarkowski could be worth around £20. For that price, the Claret and Blue leadership should be looking elsewhere as Tark is nearing the end of his current deal. Burnley with likely not want to lose him next year for nothing, so they should be looking to cash in, and West Ham could be ready to get a bargaining deal across the table.
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Besides a toe injury at the beginning of the campaign, Tarkowski played in all remaining 36 matches for the Clarets last year. Although he won’t be making the FPL stats people happy, he did notch a goal and captained his side during the final week of the season.
West Ham: Yearly transfer rumor could become a reality for the right price
As much as the Hammers need depth at every position out there, they shouldn’t panic. Getting James Tarkowski in for over 20 million would be a mistake, as they could use that money to better use in other places. The Hammers aren’t sitting pretty at the CB slot, but they aren’t hurting either.
Even with the loss of Fabian Balbuena, the Hammers still have four center-backs ready to go at any time. The addition of Tarkowski would only deepen that slot, not necessarily better it. If you look at it as a one-for-one swap with The General leaving and Tark coming in, that is an upgrade, but would he get the nod over Angelo Ogbonna or a hot Craig Dawson? It’s debatable.
If the money pinchers around the Hammers can get this deal lowered than what was rumored, they should go in for this deal full throttle. If not, look away and don’t waste anyone’s time. At 28, he’s still in his prime but not worth the bank. Until next time, COME ON YOU IRONS!