West Ham United fans have not been impressed by speculation linking them with a move for Middlesbrough flop Adama Traore.
Middlesbrough’s Adama Traore looks dejected
Traore’s transfer from Middlesbrough to the Hammers could be competed this week, according to The Northern Echo.
According to the report, the winger’s representatives have met West Ham officials with a view to an £8 million deal.
The youngster has failed to make a consistent impact in England despite impressing in the odd game with his frightening pace.
One such match was West Ham’s visit to the Riverside last season where Traore was untouchable and set up the home side’s goal as Slaven Bilic’s men triumphed 3-1.
But a move for the 21-year-old winger- who has suffered back-to-back relegations with Boro and former club Aston Villa since leaving Barcelona – has not gone down well with large sections of West Ham’s support.
Many have written off the potential signing as a flop, a sprinter and questioned why West Ham would suddenly be able to coax end product out of the player if the mighty Barcelona couldn’t.
But underwhelmed supporters must take a more considered view when weighing up Traore’s abilities.
Traore in action with potential new teammate Michail Antonio
A bigger pitch at the Olympic Stadium and lack of real athletes possessing the kind of pace needed to thrive in the Premier League have been highlighted as reasons behind West Ham’s disappointing season.
Only Michail Antonio fits the bill in that respect and the club have struggled as an attacking force when he has been out injured.
The Hammers are in desperate need of more pace next season to exploit the extra space as Bilic himself has admitted that pace is at the top of his agenda and in that respect nobody can hold a candle to Traore.
Traore had his best game of last season against West Ham
Supporters must also remember that Traore will be lining up alongside the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate, Manuel Lanzini, Antonio and Pedro Obiang in a midfield infinitely better than Middlesbrough or Villa possessed.
Not only will that mean Traore receives better quality passes in more dangerous areas, he will also have more space to work in as – unlike with Boro and Villa – the Spaniard will not be his team’s only real threat for opposition defenders to worry about.
Then there is the fact he will also be playing with better strikers with the club linked with Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi and Kelechi Iheanacho and with Andy Carroll hoping to prove his fitness next season.
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