Allardyce Keen to Sign More Players
Sam Allardyce ended up staying as the West Ham boss by the skin of his teeth.
His position became untenable at various stages of last season, but the former Bolton manager is now trying to rebuild West Ham in a different mould. In a statement of intent, the club has already signed two players even before the transfer window has opened. Argentine striker Mauro Zarate was the first arrival to Upton Park and he has been joined byCheikhouKouyate.
The Anderlecht midfieldercame to the club last week for an undisclosed fee. He signed a four-year contract last week. Allardyce, though, says that he is still looking at several players. He has set an ambitious target of bringing in at least five new names in this transfer window. West Ham are no longer a favourite amongst bookmakers for Premier League 2014-15 relegation odds. Betfair places the hammers at 11/2 to get relegated in the coming season.
The ambition shown by Allardyce, never mind the quality of football, has always been high. He has managed to get the best out of ageing stars in the past. For a club with great tradition like West Ham, it is far more important to see good football rather than a couple of stars heading towards retirement.
“We’ve made many bids and there are many negotiations ongoing,” says Allardyce to Sky Sports. “We particularly want a left-back, ideally another centre-back, a midfielder and at least two more for the front line.”
Spanish star Michu has emerged as a surprise transfer target for West Ham. The 28-year-old was an instant hit in the Premier League after scoring 18 league goals in his first season at the club. Last season, however, he struggled to cope with injuries. The presence of Wilfried Bony also saw him play in a much deeper role. As a result, he scored just two league goals in 12 appearances.
Not long ago, Michu was spoken of as a £20 million target for the likes of Arsenal. Of course, he may not be at the same level, but his transfer value may be low enough to make him a bargain once again. Michu came to Swansea in a £2 million deal in the summer of 2012.
The World Cup also seems to have provided Allardyce with avenues to look at some players.Algeria’s Islam Slimani and Ecuador’s Jefferson Montero are some of the World Cup stars to be linked with the hammers.
Latest posts by The Gaffer (see all)
- Soucek: West Ham have finally got character back - 29th May 2025
- West Ham 1-2 Nottingham Forest highlights & rate the players! - 29th May 2025
- Premier League ins and outs – clubs confirm player exits - 29th May 2025
