View: Daniele Rugani could be perfect solution for West Ham in January
West Ham should turn to under-utilised Juventus star, Daniele Rugani, as they look to replace Angelo Ogbonna.
The Hammers defender suffered a cruciate ligament rupture in the Hammers’ 3-2 win over Liverpool earlier in the season. Accompanied by Kurt Zouma’s hamstring injury, the Irons look stretched at central defence.
Rugani was a player with huge potential when coming through the Juventus ranks and has been linked with a move to the London Stadium by Calcio Mercato.
The Italian should look to West Ham for an opportunity to play regular first-team football instead of risking a stifled career at Juve.
Even if the enforcer doesn’t want to come to east London long term, a spell at the Hammers could benefit both parties.
A loan spell could be a blessing for both parties. It would offer Rugani some much needed playing time as well as more experience at a different and in England – something that will only benefit him if he wants to eventually mark his authority at central defence for The Old Lady.
For the Hammers it would allow a very high quality, experienced player to bolster the defence in the absence of Ogbonna.
He could fare well in England with a strong build and is good on the ball, boasting a 90% pass accuracy when he last played a significant role for Juventus.
Failure
It is about time Rugani makes the decision to move on, for the sake of his own career. It seems he has no future at Juventus after two failed loan spells last season at Rennes and Cagliari respectively.
With neither loan spell particularly successful, he must look for a new challenge as his career seemingly isn’t motivating the defender enough.
The move wouldn’t be a completely alien one either Ogbonna – coincidentally the player he is tipped to replace – making the exact same move after enduring a similar time at Juventus.
He could learn from Ogbonna who could help make the transition for Rugani much easier.
With Dawson performing well but more honestly just plugging a gap at the heart of defence, Rugani could come to the London Stadium and quickly make the position his own.
Overall, it is vital that the Irons bring someone in with Moyes only having three centre backs available once Zouma returns – Rugani would be the perfect man for the job.
In other West Ham news, West Ham could keep Declan Rice as United eye perfect replacement.