West Ham United set sights on signing Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho
West Ham have “set their sights” on signing Real Betis midfielder William Carvalho, according to Fichajes.net.
The 30-year-old Portuguese international midfielder has proven a pivotal figure under ex-Irons boss Manuel Pellegrini, going on to make 21 appearances in the Spanish top flight so far, recording two assists.
The Hammers have long been admirers of Carvalho, with the club close to securing his signature back in 2017 under Slaven Bilic [BBC Sport].
And Spanish media outlet Fichajes.net [8 March] claims that the experienced Betis midfielder is on the Hammers’ radar ahead of the summer transfer window, with Aston Villa and Newcastle both also interested in the player’s services.
Rice replacement?
With the Hammers set to lose key man Declan Rice this summer to either of the Premier League’s top clubs, the club will certainly be scouring the market for potential replacements between now and the end of the season.
While the club fans will be desperate for a player of a similar age and profile to Rice, Carvalho represents a more experienced, polished and sensible candidate to replace Rice at the heart of the Hammers midfield.
Carvalho, throughout his career, has long been primed for a move to the Premier League, but such a deal never materialised but could finally get his chance this summer with the player desperate to seek pastures new at the end of the season.
The Hammers will be looking to undergo a stark rebuild this summer with many of their experienced heads, including Rice facing uncertain futures.
The East Londoners will be hugely sensible in trying to replace experience with experience and Carvalho represents an ideal opportunity to do just that. The 30-year-old is a seasoned professional, a regular at international level and has long been considered one of the most efficient defensive midfielders on the continent. A potential no-brainer?