Noel Whelan claims West Ham will be ‘sniffing around’ reportedly available PL winner
West Ham know a thing or two about signing veteran South American full-backs.
The Hammers currently have Pablo Zabaleta on their books, after all, and while he might not be their first choice most of the time, he has been a valued member of the squad since signing from Manchester City back in 2017.
But now, as he approaches 35, the Argentine is surely beginning to approach the end of his career, and according to pundit Noel Whelan, the perfect man to replace him could be available.
A report from The Athletic suggests that former Manchester United wide man Antonio Valencia, who currently plies his trade in his native Ecuador, could be interested in a return to the English game.
And Whelan believes the Hammers could be interested in his services.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said: “There’s not many who can do the right-back position like he has in his career, especially at Man United, he adapted from a winger to a full-back.
“He’s got the attributes you’d be looking for, he’s a very fit man so age doesn’t come into it.
“So even if it’s for a year and a half, you’ll be getting experience, a consistent player who can get forward, and can defend as well.
“You always look at certain places, and certain teams, like West Ham, and I’m sure they and teams like that will be sniffing around.”
The West Ham Zone View of things is that were the Hammers to actually pursue a deal for Valencia, it could go either way.
Undoubtedly, the South American is a quality player, with two Premier League titles to his name amongst other accolades.
Moreover in his last full season in the Manchester United first team, when he made 31 appearances in 2017/18, he was still averaging a Whoscored rating of 7.07 per match.
But the key is that that was a couple of years ago now.
At 34, he is the same age as Zabaleta, and while he may be more mobile than the Argentine, you have to wonder how much longer he could actually hack that rigours and physicality of the Premier League.
The last thing the Irons need is another ageing star on high wages cluttering up the bench.
This deal could be great were the club to pursue it, but knowing West Ham’s luck, it’d much more likely be a major disappointment.
In other news, Reliable source: West Ham youngster could seal loan exit on Tuesday.