Lazio are interested in signing Fabian Balbuena
Lazio are interested in signing West Ham defender Fabian Balbuena, according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.
The 29-year-old’s contract expires in the summer and Athletic journalist Roshane Thomas told West Ham Zone that he is likely to leave in the summer.
There has been no talk of a new contract for Balbuena so he is free to enter negotiations with foreign clubs.
And according to The Express, West Ham are interested in centre-back Harry Souttar, who could arrive as Balbuena’s replacement.
Dependable figure
Balbuena looks set to leave but he has made a big contribution this season and should be commended for his professionalism.
David Moyes clearly has his preferred options at centre-back – Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson – and the pair’s form, along with Issa Diop, means Balbuena has spent most of the season on the bench.
However, we have only lost three out of the 13 games Balbuena has featured in, and they were against Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Moyes applauded the defender for his brilliant performance against Sheffield United earlier this season after only just returning from international duty [whufc.com].
It is commitment such as that which has put us in a brilliant position, so we massively appreciate Balbuena’s dedication.
Also, his 1.7 interceptions and 4.7 clearances per game [WhoScored] mean he has been a bit of an unsung hero for us this season.
Balbuena rarely makes a mistake and his bad performances are few and far between despite being in and out of the side.
That is difficult to achieve, and if he had more pace it is likely he would get a new contract, so it will be a little sad if he does leave for Lazio.
In other West Ham news, View: Two starts in eight – ‘Brilliant’ West Ham ace shown up by team-mate.