Pundit: West Ham United must replace Craig Dawson and buy British in summer window
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…
West Ham United have been urged to “buy British players” this summer to help replace Declan Rice and Craig Dawson by Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers sold Dawson to Wolves in the January window to ensure they got a fee before his contract ran out as he wanted to leave for personal reasons, while Rice is expected to leave with Arsenal and Bayern Munich the frontrunners for his signature.
But when discussing potential signings for the upcoming summer window, McAvennie said that the team still need to replace Dawson and reiterated that he wants Kalvin Phillips to replace Rice as he looks for West Ham to keep a British core.
“They’re talking about [Harvey] Barnes, he’d be alright,” he told West Ham Zone. “I’d love to see us buy British players.
“The best player they brought in was Dawson and he did wonders. Nothing fancy about him, just go and win the ball. It reminded me of big Mick McCarthy.
“Wasn’t the quickest but just go and win the ball. Let everyone around you play. Dawson was the same. Get someone like him.
“A big centre-half I would like them to bring in that could play. Phillips in the midfield would be great. That’s two homegrown players that improve the team and make a difference to the team.
“Old guard is doing well with Zouma and Aguerd, but Dawson was the main man. It was Dawson plus one. I would do that. Get a solid defender I would like, and then Phillips if Declan goes. That’s my wishlist.
“But you’d have to get him [Phillips] early because he’s not played. So get him early, get him fit and don’t leave it until the last minute. Do it and do it quickly. Get him ready for the start of the new season.”