West Ham United have been linked once again with a move for FC Porto’s Yacine Brahimi.
West Ham United reportedly chased Yacine Brahimi this summer, going as far as agreeing a fee with FC Porto before failing to come to terms with the player himself, according to Sky Sports.
Brahimi was in a slightly difficult position, however: his contract is up next summer, allowing him to leave for free – something that usually guarantees the player a more lucrative contract.
Now, O Jogo reports that the Hammers will be back in for Brahimi in January when they can officially begin talks with him over a free transfer next summer.
The Algerian is certainly a very talented player and one West Ham would be lucky to have, and in that regard it makes sense to offer him the bumper deal he wants come next year.
But, for any deal to make sense, they must be sure that he can fit into their side.
The biggest hurdle there is Felipe Anderson, West Ham’s record signing and a player they have primarily used from the left wing – Brahimi’s position.
If Manuel Pellegrini wants to add Brahimi on the wages he would demand, it is imperative that he can play with Anderson, and West Ham have a little over two months to figure out if that is possible.
Anderson may be suited to the left wing but he is a versatile footballer who has already proved to West Ham that he has the ability to be the focus of their side.
In that case, moving him into the middle over the next few months could be ideal, giving the decision-makers a look at his suitability there and whether Brahimi could then slot in on the left alongside him.
Anderson could also learn to play on the right, and maybe that is the way to go if the long-term plan is Brahimi, Manuel Lanzini and Anderson as an attacking midfield.
Regardless, if the club want Brahimi in claret and blue, they have a little bit of rearranging to do.
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