West Ham United have been linked with some exciting young defenders…and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling.
A big criticism from the West Ham United fans in recent transfer windows has centred around the club’s tendency to sign big-name players whose best years are long gone.
The likes of Alvaro Arbeloa, Joe Hart, Pablo Zabaleta, Patrice Evra and Javier Hernanadez might have been fine additions four or five years ago but are simply not at the same level anymore.
Signings that looked good on paper have frequently proved far less impressive on the turf. So reports linking West Ham with a move for Manchester United defender Chris Smalling feel a little like déjà vu.
The Metro has claimed that Smalling is on the Hammers’ wish list as they aim to strengthen their back line this summer. And the former Fulham youngster might have two Premier League titles and 31 England caps to his name but he has been on the decline for some time now.
Smalling has gone from frequent captain to regular reserve at Old Trafford and was not even included in England’s World Cup squad, a fitting way to cap his annus horribilis.
West Ham appeared to be looking to the future with their other centre-back targets. Alfie Mawson, Marlon Santos and Issa Diop are all under 24 years of age and have their best years ahead of them.
But if West Ham pick Smalling, will they just be repeating the same old mistakes?
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