Frank McAvennie wishes all the best to exit-bound West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena
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 suggests Fabian Balbuena should be able to find himself a decent club to join after he dropped a huge hint that he’s leaving West Ham.
Balbuena’s contract at the Hammers expires next month and after the season ended at the weekend, the 29-year-old took to Instagram to post what looked like a farewell message.
The Paraguay international said “it has been really a pleasure” to play for the Irons and send his “best wishes” for the future in what is no doubt a major suggestion he’s on his way out of the London Stadium.
McAvennie has revealed he once spoke to David Sullivan about Balbuena and although he got off to a tough start in London when Manuel Pellegrini was in charge, David Moyes and Stuart Pearce have improved the centre-back a lot.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I spoke to David Sullivan about him because I thought he was good player.
“He came in and he had to adjust his game to playing in England so he didn’t hit the ground running but under Moyes, he’s been steady.
“I don’t know if the last manager was doing any work with him because it didn’t look like it. But Moyes has come in, he brought Stuart Pearce in and all of a sudden, the defenders know what they’re doing.
“Pearce is great because he knows what he’s doing.
“Balbeuna’s done well over here. I don’t know where he’ll go to but wherever he goes, he’s a decent player.”
Balbuena will be leaving West Ham having made 61 appearances in all competitions for the club and scoring three goals.
He played brilliantly in spells this season as the Hammers finished sixth in the Premier League with his one goal coming in the unforgettable 3-3 draw against Tottenham.
Balbuena’s been a solid servant for us but as the season progressed, it became clear he had dropped out of favour for Moyes.
It’s probably best for him to move on and we join in with McAvennie in wishing Balbuena all the best for the future.
In other West Ham news, this “frustrated” fan favourite has dropped a hint about his future amid talk of him moving on.
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