West Ham United to sign two players in same position after new transfer plea
Frank McAvennie has pleaded with West Ham United to “bring in two centre-halves” ahead of the summer transfer window.
Incoming head coach Julen Lopetegui is set to oversee a significant overhaul in the transfer window, with several players’ contracts expiring or entering their final year or two.
And McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – believes central defence is an area of urgency that must be addressed in the summer.
“They’ve got to buy centre-halves,” McAvennie said. “No disrespect to the boys that have been there and done brilliantly. [Angelo] Ogbonna, [Nayef] Aguerd – they’re all going, they’ve got to go.
“When [Craig] Dawson came in [in 2021], he was 43 years of age or something [sic] and he was the best player at centre-back every week, and I’m thinking, ‘that shouldn’t be right’ – but he’s just an out-and-out centre-half, goes and wins the ball, no airs and graces goes and wins a tackle.
“So, for me, they’ve got to bring in two centre-halves [like that].”
Which central defenders could be leaving West Ham United?
Angelo Ogbonna appears likely to depart upon the expiry of his contract, given he turns 36 before the start of next season, and the club appear open to the prospect of offers for Nayef Aguerd after a series of unconvincing displays.
Club captain Kurt Zouma could also find himself on the chopping block, with just one year remaining on his contract come the summer. The Frenchman has not looked himself this term and there is little sense an extension will be offered to a player who soon turns 30.
Should all three move on, the Hammers could be set to start next season with an almost entirely new stable of central defenders as they look to build towards even greater heights.
In other West Ham news, Martin Keown has tipped David Moyes to go out with a bang against Manchester City.
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