Angelo Ogbonna hints at new West Ham United contract discussions
Angelo Ogbonna has suggested that he could open talks with West Ham over a new contract with his current deal ending in the summer of 2023.
Ogbonna, 34, has yet to open negotiations over a new deal after featuring sporadically for David Moyes’ men over the past two seasons.
The Italian isn’t thinking about a new contract at the moment and is enjoying playing football again after an injury layoff in the 2021/22 season.
He told Football London (12 October): “To be honest, no. I’m enjoying the moment, every time. I’ve just come back from a long journey, to be honest. I think when the time comes, maybe we can sit at the table.”
Time to go
It’s probably time for Ogbonna to call it a day when his current deal does eventually come to an end next summer. The 34-year-old has been a great servant for West Ham over the years but has fallen dramatically down the pecking order, particularly after Moyes’ summer business.
Thilo Kehrer, Nayef Aguerd, Craig Dawson and Kurt Zouma all sit ahead of the veteran at the London Stadium and it wouldn’t be a shock to see Moyes potentially give one of his younger players an opportunity ahead of Ogbonna at some point in the 2022/23 season.
Having an ageing player on their books, presumably on high wages will more than likely see the club allow him to leave. Potentially letting Ogbonna exit and recruiting a younger, up-and-coming central defender would be an astute move by the Irons.
For now, having Ogbonna in and around the group will be excellent for some of the younger players that Moyes has allowed to train with the first team. Young defender Ollie Scarles has been with the first team in recent weeks and gaining knowledge off of seasoned professionals such as Ogbonna will be invaluable for his development.