Pundit makes behind-the-scenes David Moyes suggestion at West Ham United after Divin Mubama contract update
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 believes West Ham United must sort out the future of David Moyes first before tying down Divin Mubama to a new contract at the London Stadium.
Claret & Hugh shared on their online website on 23 November that the Hammers are continuing talks with the youngster and his representatives regarding a new deal.
Sources close to Mubama, as reported by Claret & Hugh, reveal talks are continuing and there is a desire for all parties involved to get a deal done as soon as possible.
However, McAvennie believes any development regarding Mubama must hinge on whether Moyes stays or not with talkSPORT reporting on 6 November, that it is unlikely that the Scot will be offered a new contract when his current deal expires next summer.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “If they’ve got somebody else coming in to replace Moyes, then give him it.
“I just think it depends on whether Moyes is staying next season or not. If David is staying then there’s only one way they’re playing.
So, you’ve got to get somebody that fits that style. Danny Ings was terrible. The team is not playing his way. I mean, when Ings come in, he’s a striker. Put a ball across the box and he’ll finish it.
“All this link-up play, that’s not him. He just wants to get in the box.
“We’ve got two completely different opposites in Michail Antonio and Ings. You couldn’t get two further apart than them. I would play them together.
But, if you were to play Ings up front, he can’t do it.
“If this young boy (Mubama) comes in and does it, give him a contract. But, I think they will be waiting to see who comes in and takes over if Moyes is not there.”
Mubama is highly-regarded within the club and amongst fans given his rampant performances with the youth setup in recent seasons, scoring 13 goals in 20 Premier League 2 games last season [Transfermarkt] and even bagging a goal for the first-team during their Europa Conference League triumphant run.
The youngster has been handed just one start so far this campaign coming in their Europa League triumph over Backa Topla on Thursday (30 November) but it was a performance which could leave a lot of doubt in Moyes’ mind regarding his place in his setup.
However, with Antonio facing a spell out of action through injury, Moyes may well be forced to give him the starts he craves.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers want to sign one Ukraine sensation in 2024, with an exit for the player “widely expected.”