According to Fabian Balbuena’s agent, the centre-back rejected a ‘juicy proposal’ from the Arab League during the January transfer window.
Speaking on Futgol 970 – Versus Radio, the 14-cap Paraguay international’s agent said: “We had a very juicy proposal from the Arab League, and Fabian told me; let’s wait, let’s stay in Europe.”
Now, this was a very strange decision from the 29-year-old given his contract situation.
Balbuena’s current terms at the London Stadium expire at the end of the season, and he is yet to enter negotiations over a fresh deal.
Having said that, he remains a valued first-team member under David Moyes, so a new contract could be offered, in our view.
Balbuena has started 12 Premier League games this season, scoring one goal.
However, his last appearances came in the 4-0 FA Cup win over Doncaster – he hasn’t played a single second since.
That means he missed the remarkable six-game winning run, as Craig Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna thrive alongside each other.
Clearly, David Moyes can cope without the Paraguayan, so there is presumably the chance that he feels he can let Balbuena leave.
The £4 million signing from Corinthians should, at least, be given a new one-year deal, in our view.
At 29, he still has plenty of years left in the tank, and he has rarely let the Hammers down when called upon – he deserves to be rewarded for his loyalty.
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