ExWHUemployee shares update as West Ham pursue move for Hoffenheim left-back David Raum
West Ham are reportedly unlikely to be able to match what Hoffenheim want in order to part ways with left-back David Raum this summer.
According to ExWHUemployee, the Hammers are still continuing with their pursuit to sign the 24-year-old Germany international.
The Times reported on July 18 that the Bundesliga side are looking for around £33million if they are to sell their highly-rated left-back this summer.
Worth it?
Aaron Cresswell is 32 and at best has another season where he can be the undisputed first choice left-back for West Ham.
Next summer, the club will need to find a replacement for him and that’s assuming he goes through the upcoming season free from any major injury.
At that age, players’ bodies tend to give up on them and they cannot be expected to play 38 league games and the big domestic and European cup games.
Arthur Masuaku is not reliable as a backup and has injury issues of his own – which makes the signing of a new left-back imperative.
Raum is a quality left-back who walks into this first team and is eight years younger than Cresswell so has a massive age advantage over the Englishman.
He’s quicker and more agile and will seldom be caught out of possession like the 32-year-old does on numerous occasions.
Cresswell should still be kept at the club as he’s the vice captain and his dressing room presence is invaluable.
However, he must not be viewed as a regular starter in the upcoming season and Moyes must get this deal done as he’s all but set to get the striker he wanted.