Why West Ham’s Manuel Pellegrini shouldn’t move for Marouane Fellaini, but should pursue Yaya Toure

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West Ham have been linked with Manchester United’s supposed want-away Marouane Fellaini, but Manuel Pellegrini should pull the plug on the move.

Manchester United’s supposed want-away Marouane Fellaini is the latest player to be linked with a move to West Ham United this summer, according to The Mirror, with new manager Manuel Pellegrini looking to bolster his squad ahead of loftier ambitions next term. However, this is one player he should avoid.

Ligue 1 giants Marseille are are also said to be looking to bring the Belgian international to the Orange Velodrome this summer, according to reports from the Daily Mail, and West Ham would be best advised to stay out of the running.

West Ham’s Chilean coach has spoken this week of bringing “attacking” and attractive football back to the London Stadium, but the signing of Fellaini would represent a step entirely in the wrong direction.

Former West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was bemoaned for his pragmatic style of play while in charge of the Hammers, often relying on long-balls to physical forwards to spark attacks – and that is exactly what Fellaini is best at.

The 30-year-old isn’t famed for his technical ability, and his flaws are exposed when deployed in a holding midfield role. His lack of mobility and limited range of passing would not lend itself well to a new progressive and creative project with the Hammers.

There’s no questioning Fellaini’s effectiveness when deployed in an attacking role, as his physicality and aerial ability are a serious threat for any defence to deal with, however, the general consensus is that West Ham (and the fans) are no longer happy playing direct football with powerful target men – hence Andy Carroll’s late exclusion for the side last season.

Pellegrini would be much better advised to continue in his reported pursuit of Yaya Toure (The Telegraph), as the Ivorian possesses the attributes likely to get West Ham playing progressive and exciting football once again, and it lays out a clear marker of intent in terms of the philosophy he’s looking to implement at the club.