West Ham have been caught reminiscing as Angelo Ogbonna contract news emerges
Upgrading the centre-back position is one of the priorities for West Ham during the January transfer window amid exit links for some of their top players.
The Hammers are reportedly interested in Wolves captain Max Kilman, as per talkSPORT [2 January], with the potential for the London club to be without Nayef Aguerd by the end of the month.
And now, West Ham are planning on a potential contract extension for 35-year-old veteran Angelo Ogbonna, whose current deal runs out at the end of the season. [Claret & Hugh]
This news comes after two recent fine performances from the Italian, especially his Man of the Match display against Arsenal in a 2-0 Premier League victory. But, he has made only three Premier League starts this season.
Despite being one of the oldest players in the squad, he proved against the Gunners that his footballing days may not be behind him just yet. He maintained an 83 per cent pass completion, making four blocks, six clearances and two recoveries, as well as winning 100 per cent of his ground duels. [FotMob]
However, football fans are known to be extremely reactionary, with many calling for his head after a shocking defensive display against Liverpool in the EFL Cup as David Moyes’ squad were hammered 5-1.
With the potential to challenge for a top-four finish in the Premier League this campaign and the opportunity to claim back-to-back European titles after lifting the Europa Conference League trophy last season, handing Ogbonna a contract extension is ludicrous.
Even despite Kurt Zouma’s high chances of injury, the unassuredness in Konstantinos Mavropanos so far, and the potential outgoing of Aguerd, it is far from ideal to see the 35-year-old deployed by Moyes due to a matter of urgency.
At this point, if West Ham are so desperate for another centre-back that Ogbonna needs to be fielded, an academy player should be utilised, as that is what academies are there for.
The manager has attempted to bring through fresh meat before, transitioning 19-year-old Divin Mubama into the senior team from last season. This has been vital due to an injury to Michail Antonio and the inability of Danny Ings.
But with Ogbonna set to be handed a contract extension, there are fears that West Ham are reminiscing of a younger, more capable centre-back – one that joined all those years ago in 2015 as they live in the past.
In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has revealed that another first-team exit at the London Stadium could be completed in the coming days.