Frank McAvennie: Balbuena has ‘Got to leave’ West Ham in summer
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie claims Fabian Balbuena has to leave West Ham in the summer due to his lack of game-time in recent months.
Balbuena, 29, was a mainstay of David Moyes’ defence in the first half of the season but since Craig Dawson’s emergence, the Paraguay international has struggled for minutes and hasn’t featured for the Irons in the Premier League since December 27.
The London Evening Standard reported in early March that a £2million clause is close to being activated for Dawson’s loan stay at the London Stadium to be turned into a permanent one from Watford.
McAvennie believes that Dawson’s impressive form in the defence has played a huge role in pushing Balbuena to the fringes of Moyes’ squad.
“I like Balbuena but he’s not getting a game so he’s got to leave,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone in an exclusive interview.
“Dawson’s not been signed yet but for £2million, he’ll be a bargain buy. £2million is worth what he’s done this year.”
Earlier this month, the Balbuena’s agent Renato Bittar told Versus Radio that discussions are being held with other clubs and that he “will not continue at West Ham”.
Balbuena’s contract at the London Stadium expires at the end of the season and after being told this, the former Celtic and Hammers striker added: “Is he? Wow.
“I don’t think he’s strong enough to go to someone like Celtic.
“He’s a good defender but someone will come in for him because they like boys who can play out of the back.”
Bittar added that Balbuena will be aiming to stay in European football once his days of playing in claret and blue are over.
The former Corinthians defender has made 59 appearances in all competitions since West Ham signed him from the Brazilian club in July 2018.
However, the clock is now ticking on Balbuena’s stint in East London and it seems unlikely he’ll be adding to that appearance tally between now and the end of his contract in the summer.
In other West Ham news, Alan Shearer has named Jesse Lingard in his Premier League team of the week.