Sir Trevor Brooking has offered his backing to West Ham’s alleged move for Pablo Zabaleta.
Sir Trevor Brooking
West Ham United legend Sir Trevor Brooking has told BBC Radio Five Live that he thinks Pablo Zabaleta is the ‘absolutely perfect’ signing for the Hammers this summer.
West Ham were thrashed 4-0 at home by Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, with old defensive frailties returning after three clean sheets in a row.
Whilst manager Slaven Bilic is expected to target attacking firepower this summer, he may yet want to bring in some more defensive reinforcements even after landing Jose Fonte from Southampton in January.
One player being heavily touted with a move to the London Stadium is Pablo Zabaleta, whose Manchester City contract expires this summer and won’t be renewed.
The Argentinian, 32, joined City from Espanyol back in August 2008, and has made almost 350 appearances for the club whilst winning two Premier League titles, two League Cups and one FA Cup.
Manchester City’s Pablo Zabaleta
Zabaleta was given his Etihad Stadium farewell on Tuesday night when City beat West Bromwich Albion 3-1, with Pep Guardiola deciding to bring the right back on for the final 15 minutes to say goodbye to City fans after almost ten years with the club.
City fans had banners on show thanking Zabaleta for his commitment over the years, and The Telegraph claim that he is now expected to join West Ham on a free transfer this summer.
Manchester City fans with flags and banners for Pablo Zabaleta
Now, West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking has told BBC Radio Five Live that he thinks Zabaleta is ‘absolutely perfect’ for the Hammers, noting that he has the experience and determination that Bilic’s side lacks, adding that he would be ‘delighted’ to see the veteran join West Ham in a resounding verdcit.
“If you link him to West Ham, which seems to be the case at present, he’d be absolutely perfect,” said Brooking. “He can play a few different roles, but more than anything, the West Ham team have lacked leaders. When things have gone a little bit dodgy during a game and you’re looking around for who is going to get hold of it and put a couple of tackles in – Zabaleta would be perfect for this group of players at the club. Whoever he ends up with, he’s going to be a plus. I’d be delighted [if he joined West Ham],” he added
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