Recently, West Ham have bolstered their attack by signing Leeds United winger Cryscencio Summerville and Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Fullkrug. Also, the club is involved in negotiations with Manchester United for Aaron Wan-Bissaka as a new right back to improve the defence as well.
The midfield looks decent but the Sunshine State Tour friendly against Wolves has highlighted a big issue. One of the biggest struggles for West Ham was experienced midfielders like Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse facing difficulties while dealing with the Wolves high press and as a result gave away possession several times in the match.
Although, Edson Alvarez is very close to full fitness after suffering a muscle injury in the Copa America, West Ham need to sign a press resistant midfielder and natural ball winner to have more control over the match. This led the Hammers to monitor Youssouf Fofana who has already agreed a move to Milan but Milan are currently struggling with the transfer fee to sign him from Monaco.
Now, according to transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, in a surprise move, West Ham have signed Argentina's World Cup winning midfielder Guido Rodriguez on a free transfer. Reporting about this transfer, Fabrizio Romano said,
"West Ham book medical for Guido Rodriguez on Saturday then time to sign the contract!Fabrizio Romano
Rodriguez, available as free agent after leaving Betis and Barça verbal agreement collapsed in June.
West Ham agreed on terms today and he’s ready for medical.
Here we go"
🚨⚒️ EXCL: West Ham book medical for Guido Rodriguez on Saturday then time to sign the contract!
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 2, 2024
Rodriguez, available as free agent after leaving Betis and Barça verbal agreement collapsed in June.
West Ham agreed on terms today and he’s ready for medical.
Here we go 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/2LacpaOt1n
Signing a proven midfielder who was a key part of the Argentina squad that won the World Cup in 2022, on a free transfer is a brilliant move by the club. Guido Rodriguez, became a free agent on 30 June after spending four years in La Liga with Real Betis.
The deep lying midfielder who can play in a pivot role, made a total of 173 appearances for Real Betis and helped the club win the Copa Del Rey in the 2021/22 season. Rodriguez's brilliant displays in La Liga gave him a spot in the Argentina national team as well and he won two Copa America in 2021 and 2024 alongside winning the 2022 Finalissima and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The addition of Guido Rodriguez in the squad will provide a new dimension to the midfield. Plus, Rodriguez's high pressing quality and great passing makes him a useful player in Lopetegui's possession based style of football.