Pundit happy with West Ham United signing Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea
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 is delighted by West Ham United’s signing of Emerson Palmieri from Chelsea because it adds competition to the first-team squad.
The Hammers completed a £15m deal for the Italy international on Tuesday night, with the 28-year-old signing a four-year contract with the option of an extra year.
The deal brings an end David Moyes’ recruitment drive for a new left-back and while McAvennie admitted not knowing much about the player, he believes that so long as Emerson isn’t “just another number” then it’s exactly what the team needed.
“I don’t really [know a lot about him] but we’re bringing a left back in and I can’t talk about it enough but competition is a wonderful thing,” he told West Ham Zone.
“So you get somebody in. Even the boys like Zouma, they almost look like there’s no danger [of losing their place]. Maybe they’re not fit but they’ve got to sharpen that whole defence.
“They’ve got to turn that training to sharpness because they look second best.
“I don’t know much about this boy coming in at left-back, but I know that they need a left-back and if he’s a decent player who can come in and fight for a place, and not just another number, then that’s what we need.”
Emerson won’t be available to make his debut in the Europa League clash against Viborg on Thursday as he wasn’t registered before the first leg took place last week.
He could start against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon, with Aaron Cresswell battling for his place after three consecutive defeats to open the season so far.