Angelo Ogbonna hopes to sign new West Ham United contract
West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna is hopeful of signing a new contract at the club.
The 34-year-old centre-back has a contract at the club until the end of the season. He is among the club’s longest-serving players, having signed from Juventus back in 2015.
He has made 220 appearances in all competitions, and signed a new one-year deal having missed most of the campaign due to an ACL injury and now looks to stay beyond the summer.
“Of course,” said Ogbonna when asked if he is hopeful of a new deal, as quoted by Evening Standard.
“It feels like a family here and I want to be part of this family. Now the most important thing is to get our points and we can talk later.”
Unlikely
Ogbonna has impressed for the Hammers in recent games, and David Moyes could be inclined to keep him for one more season.
He made his comeback in Europa Conference League qualifying back in August but was largely restricted to cup appearances in the first half of the season.
Following Craig Dawson’s January departure to Wolves and coupled with Kurt Zouma’s injury, the Italian has been called upon more regularly since Christmas. He has started seven of West Ham’s last eight league games and featured in the 4-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
Should the Hammers give him a new contract? Ideally no. Ogbonna has been a great servant for the club, but it’s time for the Hammers to look for fresh young talents.
Zouma’s injuries are a big concern while Thilo Kehrer hasn’t made a huge impact. Another top-class young defender is needed alongside Nayef Aguerd.
West Ham could be set for a massive rebuilding job next summer after a disappointing season, and a fresh transfer approach is needed.
It doesn’t look likely that Ogbonna will stay beyond the summer, but David Moyes loves to keep experienced players in the squad as well.