Oscar Mingueza career set for ‘unexpected turn’ amid West Ham transfer latest
West Ham could see their efforts to sign Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza wasted in the near future.
Nuno Espirito Santo will be desperate for new signings after a mixed time of things so far in East London.
West Ham conceded late against Bournemouth in a 2-2 draw at the Vitality Stadium last Saturday.
Before that, West Ham had triumphed over Burnley and Newcastle in a feat that lifted them from the Premier League relegation zone for now.
There is still plenty of work to be done, with West Ham scrambling to find Nuno Espirito Santo reinforcements this winter.
While Mingueza was on the list, the Hammers may need to turn to alternative prospects over the coming weeks and months.
Oscar Mingueza close to staying at Celta Vigo
West Ham were interested in signing Mingueza to strengthen Nuno’s squad for the foreseeable future.
However, the plan to sign him has taken an “unexpected turn” as the defender is set to continue at Celta, according to Estadio Deportivo on 26 November.
Although the former Barcelona star had several suitors interested in signing him for free, his renewal with Celta appears closer than ever.
- The Spanish side sighed Mingueza for free from Barcelona in 2022
- He is contracted with the club until 30 June 2026
The Hammers, along with fellow Premier League clubs Aston Villa and Newcastle United, were among the interested parties.
Meanwhile, he also caught the eye of Atalanta, AC Milan, Como and Marseille.
Sports director Marco Garces recently declared that he was “optimistic” about extending the Spain international’s stay with the La Liga side.
While Mingueza has already expressed his desire to remain at Celta, even if he admits he’d receive a bigger salary playing elsewhere.
“I’m very happy here, very happy. I know that if I stay here I wouldn’t earn the same as in other places, but personally, I’m also looking for a little comfort,” he said.
Therefore, it seems the saga between West Ham and Mingueza is over before it really, truly began.
West Ham still need defensive stability
Even if Mingueza is not meant to be, the Hammers are still in desperate need of defensive reinforcements this season.
Despite their impressive performances as of late, West Ham have conceded five goals in their last three Premier League games. Two of these game ended in victory.
Furthermore, Nuno’s side have conceded 25 league goals, which is the second-most thus far. This record is unacceptable for a team hoping to avoid relegation.
As a result, the Hammers must look towards signing a defensive-minded player or two this winter.
This could be the difference between West Ham finishing on the right side of the dotted line this season.
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