Having lost Jose Fonte and potentially James Collins as well this summer, which World Cup defenders should West Ham United be targeting?
As the end of the season draws nearer, thoughts begin to turn to potential summer transfers as clubs gear up to amend their squads.
The World Cup is always the greatest platform for players to showcase their talents with the whole world watching, and a number of players are often swept up following their performances at the world’s premier competition.
With Jose Fonte having departed for China, and James Collins also looking likely to leave in the summer, West Ham are a couple of defenders short, with some of their existing options such as Pablo Zabaleta not getting any younger.
With this in mind, here are three defenders from World Cup group D countries that the Hammers should consider signing this summer.
Tin Jedvaj
22-year-old Croatian centre-half Tin Jedvaj has already played for a number of impressive European clubs during his short career to date, having enjoyed stints at Dinamo Zagreb and Roma before joining Bayer Leverkusen in 2014.
The Croatia international has nine full caps to his name and has become an important asset to the Bundesliga team in recent seasons. At 22, Jedvaj has played 70 games for Leverkusen and his ability to play in both full-back positions on top of centre-back has led him to become a hit with the coaching staff.
With West Ham potentially a couple of centre-backs short, as a full-back option as well, the prospect could be a useful signing for the Hammers, with nearly 100 games at senior club level already.
Ola Aina
Ola Aina has been plying his trade with Hull City on loan from Chelsea this season and has been a stalwart in Nigel Adkins’ side. Aged 21, the Nigerian right-back has three full international caps and will eyeing a starting spot for his national team in Russia this summer.
Like the majority of Chelsea youngsters, Aina is unlikely to ever make it as a first-team player and, having performed so well for Hull this term, there is no doubt clubs will begin to come calling. The Hammers would present a great opportunity for the youngster to further his career in a city he is already familiar with, while remaining in the Premier League rather than dropping down a division as he has done this season.
With Pablo Zabaleta aged 33, Aina would not only provide cover for the Argentine, but a potential replacement for the veteran once the former Manchester City man retires or moves on.
Federico Fazio
Federico Fazio’s time in England did not end in joy as he was axed by Tottenham Hotspur following only one season of regular football. Regardless, the 31-year-old centre-back has enjoyed an impressive career at some of Europe’s finest clubs in Sevilla and Roma.
A shot at redemption in England may be an opportunity too tempting to pass up for Fazio, should West Ham enquire about a potential move in the summer window. The two-time Europa League champion has eight caps for Argentina and is looking likely to play a part in their Russia 2018 campaign following a strong season with Roma.
With Fonte gone, Fazio presents himself as both a useful and affordable potential replacement.
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