Guido Rodriguez torn to shreds as fresh West Ham exit speculation emerges
West Ham United are likely to have to be more astute and more conservative in this summer’s transfer window than that of last year.
Ahead of this season, the Hammers spent an unprecedented amount in a window never as eagerly reacted to since the days of the Tevez and Mascherano arrivals.
Tim Steidten led the recruitment operation as he touched down around the world to bring exciting talent to the London Stadium – though the mixed success, lack of fluidity under Julen Lopetegui and the Irons’ current 16th position as a direct consequence have seen both Steidten and Lopetegui waved their goodbyes.
Guido Rodriguez among West Ham players to fail to ‘establish’ themselves
West Ham spent plenty of money and committed more funds to be spent this summer, with the likes of Max Kilman, Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme plucked from both the Premier League and abroad.
Jean-Clair Todibo’s £34million fee has to be paid at the end of this season, too, while lower-risk incomings arrived such as Guido Rodriguez – a free transfer from Real Betis.
It almost feels, however, like Rodriguez has been linked with an exit ever since he came through the door, with a series of inconsistent and uninspiring performances, proving himself to be out of favour – particularly under Graham Potter.
TV commentator Ian Darke, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, has run through a few of the signings and admitted Rodriguez is among those not to have worked out, while conceding praise to the Hammers for “player of the year” Aaron Wan-Bissaka.
“Some of what they signed last summer with Steidten there has just been miles off,” he said.
“Guido Rodriguez has barely done a thing really, Fullkrug has shown hope but been injured. [Crysencio] Summerville hasn’t established himself in the team; Wan-Bissaka on the other hand could win their player of the year award.
“They do have to be smarter. The fans will get behind Potter to get the best out of the players and we’ll see how their squad looks.”
Wan-Bissaka and Fullkrug to be key for Irons next year
Rodriguez has been heavily mooted to move back to Real Betis or other Spanish clubs, with many bound to be interested in a clearly talented midfielder, who has just not worked out in East London.
Some players just do not suit the Premier League – Todibo has shown promise, but battled injuries and even when fit, been inconsistent. He and Kilman have been part of a defence which was abject at times under Lopetegui.
Wan-Bissaka – often considered a right-back who excels defensively but offers not enough going forward – has improved in that regard this season, creating and scoring the odd goal and benefitting the side plentifully.
| Guido Rodriguez under Graham Potter | Total |
| Graham Potter matches in charge | 12 |
| Matches played by Rodriguez under Potter | 4 |
| Minutes played by Rodriguez under Potter | 129 |
The nagging feeling with Fullkrug is that he is a ticking time-bomb to the next injury – and that is even more frustrating considering he is clearly a very capable striker in the Premier League when fit. That much has already been demonstrated, including his first London Stadium goal against Bournemouth last Saturday (5 April).
The duo could be massive for the Irons next season, as Potter will be judged up against much higher expectations.