West Ham United transfer news as Manuel Lanzini linked with River Plate return
Manuel Lanzini could be set to leave West Ham United to join his former club River Plate in the summer transfer window, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.
The 29-year-old has just five months left of his contract in East London and his future has long remained in doubt as he’s struggled to claim a regular place in David Moyes’ team.
Moyes recently admitted that he feels guilty for not giving the Argentinian more game-time and the playmaker has been the subject of transfer “proposals” from abroad that could seal his exit, according to former Eurosport journalist Dean Jones.
And according to Fichajes [13 April], Argentinian giants River Plate could ready an offer for the West Ham midfielder to make a homecoming return amongst other players including former Everton defender Ramiro Funes Mori.
It comes after they banked a mega windfall from Chelsea signing Enzo Fernandez, with their sell-on clause bringing in nearly £50million in the January transfer window.
Time to move on
It is evidently clear that Lanzini is well down the pecking order at the London Stadium with Moyes preferring Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals instead of the South American playmaker, which has come as a huge shame for such a talented footballer.
Lanzini has proven himself a mercurial talent at West Ham United, and this summer could be the perfect time to part ways.
It’s no wonder why Moyes feels guilty over the player’s game-time because he regularly shows flashes of his technical brilliance when he does lead the Hammers field, especially in the Europa Conference League.
However, Lanzini is well into his prime years as a footballer and he needs to be playing more so a summer departure is the best move for both parties with the Hammers set to undergo a squad revamp.
From the West Ham point of view, Lanzini’s departure would trim the wage bill and potentially allow the club to fully delve into the summer transfer window, providing they secure their Premier League status for next season.