Pundit: West Ham United should replace Angelo Ogbonna this summer with contract expiring
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 should look to replace Angelo Ogbonna this summer rather than offer him a new deal at the London Stadium.
The Italian has made 15 appearances for the Hammers this season, taking his overall tally to 224 in eight seasons with the club, but his contract is set to expire at the end of the current campaign.
While there has been little talk about his future beyond this summer, McAvennie believes that the club should look to strengthen in defence during the summer and that means Ogbonna should be allowed to leave.
“He’s a decent player but they should bring someone in,” he told West Ham Zone.
“Zouma is the main centre-back and [Dawson] has just left. He was our best player and we got him for nothing.
“Dawson’s an old-fashioned centre-half, he just goes and heads the ball. West Ham need players like Cresswell to step up, because they’re not being challenged for places. Especially at the back.”
Ogbonna is now 34 years old and has recovered really well from a serious knee injury last year, but he isn’t the player he once was.
The club have strengthened with Zouma and Nayef Aguerd at the back, and the chances are another new central defender or two will join in the summer.
That would leave little space for Ogbonna and as the club are desperate for an overhaul, letting him leave would free up wages and space in the squad for an upgrade.