West Ham United: Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell could be offered new short-term contracts
West Ham United could offer new short-term contracts to defensive duo Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell but will wait until the end of the season before finalising any decisions, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers have six players that currently see their agreements end this summer, and they are expected to wait until their Premier League status is confirmed before offering any new contracts.
Ogbonna, 34, has seen his importance to David Moyes increase since the departure of Craig Dawson in the January transfer window, while Creswell, 33, has become more of a bit-part player since the emergence of Emerson at left wing-back.
“Angelo Ogbonna too could get a new short term contract if he remains fit with the 34-year-old Hammer has shown he can still be a valuable squad player when called upon,” Claret and Hugh wrote.
“Aaron Cresswell could be offered a short term 12 month contract at the end of this season.
“The left back turns 34 late this year and could get a ten year testimonial if he agrees a new short term contract with the Hammers.”
Loyal servants
Both Ogbonna and Cresswell have had their fair share of ups and downs in a West Ham top, and none more so than this season.
At times the Hammers have been criticised for some dreadful defending this term, including the recent 5-1 drubbing to Newcastle, but both defenders have played key roles in West Ham fighting on two fronts and reaching the Europa Conference League quarter-finals.
Considering the club decided to part ways with Dawson in January, it would be a silly move to let Ogbonna go unless they have lined up a ready-made replacement in the summer.
Nayef Aguerd and Kurt Zouma have proven themselves as injury-prone centre-backs this season, while Ben Johnson’s long-term future at the London Stadium also remains up in the air.
With West Ham United not likely to spend anywhere near the £165million outlay of last summer in the upcoming transfer window, keeping players such as Cresswell and Ogbonna could be smart moves.