West Ham learn Bobby Thomas transfer fate as Frank Lampard speaks out
Bobby Thomas is understood to be on West Ham’s shortlist for a new centre-back in the January window.
Thomas has been named as an option on West Ham’s wishlist, with West Ham also looking at Jamaal Lascelles, Bright Arrey-Mbi, and Charlie Cresswell.
One thing is for sure, the London Stadium outfit needs recruits in the backline, as they have conceded the most goals in the Premier League this season, with 43 strikes allowed so far.
Nuno Espirito Santo faces a tough task to keep the Irons in the Premier League, and extra bodies in defence, would give him a chance.
Lampard stance on Bobby Thomas sale emerges
West Ham are desperate for defensive reinforcements, but it appears they will have to look elsewhere than Thomas.
Lampard has seemed to suggest that the 24-year-old is going nowhere this month, after his latest remarks on the defender.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference on 16 January, Lampard said: “Heard that yesterday, and I think everyone knows how I feel about Bobby Thomas.
“He is a player for this club and we’ve got 20 games to try and do something this year, so that’s the answer.”
Who else could West Ham look at for defensive recruitment?
The aforementioned targets, Lascelles, Arrey-Mbi, and Cresswell, would be solid options to bolster the East London club’s backline.
The E20 outfit have also been linked with OH Leuven star Roggerio Nyakossi, but the Belgian club are understood to have an agreement with his representatives that he can leave after the current window is over.
| Player | 2025-26 Appearances (all competitions) |
| Lascelles | 2 |
| Arrey-Mbi | 28 |
| Cresswell | 18 |
| Nyakossi | 12 |
| Dier | 9 |
| Pereira | 3 |
Eric Dier is another name that has been mentioned in connection with the Hammers’ deficiencies, but AS Monaco want to keep him around and he is contracted until 2028.
Flamengo defender Leo Pereira is another name that has been touted with a potential move, but the Brazilian club do not want to sell.
It seems to be a familiar story for the Irons, clubs do not want to sell, either starters or quality depth, in the middle of the season.
It may prove difficult for them to bring in what they need, and therefore help Nuno to survive in the top-flight this season.
They have to find a way to bring players through the Rush Green door though, otherwise, they will likely be unable to turn things around and will be destined for the Championship, where it looks like Lampard and Thomas will not be in the near future.
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