West Ham receive transfer boost as Oscar Mingueza makes ‘great team’ admission
West Ham have received a boost in their potential pursuit of Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza after the Spaniard praised the Hammers with transfer speculation circling.
Mingueza attempted to play down the rumours, claiming he is just focused on playing for the La Liga side, but went on to praise West Ham and the squad David Moyes has at his disposal.
The Hammers have been linked with a transfer move for the defender by Spanish outlet Fichajes [18 November], who reported they could make a move to bring him to East London in January.
Mingueza spoke to Galician TV, as shared by Spanish outlet Moiceleste [21 November], where he shared: “I have nothing planned nor has anyone contacted me. I am focused on Celta.
“West Ham is a great team, a very nice team but I am focused on Celta and the match against Valencia.”
A potential boost to the Hammers
If Moyes’ side are keen on adding an extra defender in an attempt to solve their woes at the back, they could certainly do a lot worse than Mingueza, and his willingness to entertain discussion over a move, regardless of how dismissive he may have been, says a lot.
While it may seem on paper that West Ham are no longer in need of a new defender, having brought in Konstantinos Mavropanos in the summer, Mingueza would represent an upgrade on the current options and depth available to Moyes in East London.
A product of Barcelona’s La Masia academy setup, Mingueza is equally as comfortable with the ball at his feet as he is as an out-and-out defender, and his ability to cover at right-back and even in midfield could prove an important part of his game.
With 154 appearances to his name at 24 years old [Transfermarkt], the defender may now be ready for another step up, having left Barcelona in search of game time with Celta Vigo, and West Ham could provide that option.
In other West Ham news, David Sullivan could be forced to accelerate player talks.