West Ham United have snapped up Guido Rodriguez and given Julen Lopetegui an enormous boost to his midfield options in the process.
The Hammers have said goodbye to David Moyes this summer and are now embarking on a new era under Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard is back for another shot at Premier League management having left Wolverhampton Wanderers in August of last year.
Lopetegui has been backed this summer with West Ham making a host of moves to strengthen his squad.
West Ham have snapped up Brazilian teenager Luis Guilherme and Max Kilman from Wolverhampton Wanderers whilst also adding goalkeeper Wes Foderingham on a free transfer.
Lopetegui has now been able to add three signings in recent days with Crysencio Summerville, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez arriving.
Terry Gibson on Guido Rodriguez
West Ham spent decent money on Summerville and Fullkrug, adding an exciting winger and a battle-tested centre forward.
The Hammers then snapped up free agent Rodriguez, giving Lopetegui another defensive midfielder.
Edson Alvarez is already at the club but Lopetegui will be well aware of what Rodriguez can provide.
Rodriguez was a star man for Real Betis as Lopetegui was managing their bitter rivals Sevilla.
The 30-year-old is a hardened anchor man in midfield and will bring valuable experience to the West Ham ranks.
Signing a player of Rodriguez’s calibre on a free transfer looks to be a major bargain for West Ham and he is bound to play a key role under Lopetegui.
A proposed move to Barcelona broke down this summer and West Ham were able to swoop in with a deal.
Pundit Terry Gibson – who specialises in La Liga coverage – has now had his say on Rodriguez’s move to East London.
Speaking on X, Gibson was responding to a question about Barcelona’s inability to sign a defensive midfielder.
Gibson feels that Rodriguez was an ‘obvious signing’ for Barcelona and is surprised to see them sign another attacking player in Dani Olmo instead.
West Ham fans will have been happy enough with the Rodriguez signing given that he is coming in on a free transfer.
Knowing that Barcelona wanted him and a La Liga expert thought he would solve their issues says a lot about his reputation in Spanish football.
Rodriguez may not be Sergio Busquets Mark II in terms of his passing ability from holding midfield, but he is combative and protects his back line well.
The Hammers appear to have landed a major coup in Rodriguez and fans will hope that Barcelona’s loss is Lopetegui’s gain.
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