West Ham United have been linked with snapping up ex-Everton and Tottenham forward Louis Saha.
We reckon it’s a bad move which spells the wrong signals for the club.
Saha on his day was a fine player, rightly earning international recognition for France and leading the line for Manchester United.
Nowadays, not so much. Being signed by Harry Redknapp was a shock for all concerned, and one that bemused Tottenham supporters.
He had a half-decent start at the Lane, but his form evaporated, and supporters were left cursing Redknapp’s urge to ‘do things on the cheap’.
If the side had invested in a star like Papiss Cisse, Tottenham would likely be preparing for Champions League football instead of Europa.
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The club have cut their ties with the player, releasing him, and few tears are being shed on the matter in North London.
Over in the East of the city, West Ham are looking ahead to a hopeful return to the top flight.
How much money do the Hammers have available? It is at yet unclear, but fans will look to Southampton preparing a £7 million for Jay Rodriguez and hope owners Gold and Sullivan are equally prepared to stump up the cash.
Carlton Cole had a poor season in the Premier League last time out, and he, Nicky Maynard and Ricardo Vaz Te will need help in the form of a top level striker.
Saha, 33, is no longer it. A free transfer for him would not be a good signal of their ambition. He would not represent any step up from Cole at this stage of his career.
Everton fans could not believe their luck when he was taken off their hands in January, he had been a shadow of his former self, scoring just two goals in 20 appearances.
He scored 35 goals in 115 games over four years for the club, a below average return, and his scoring ratio was getting worse not better.
For Spurs and Everton combined his record last season read five goals scored in 31 appearances. This type of scoring record will have little impact on the Hammers efforts to survive next season.
West Ham need to avoid the temptation of a free transfer, and look for a young talented striker with much to prove.
Saha on a free would hark back to West Ham’s previous Premier League demise, when strikers from Mido to McCarthy to Piquionne were amassed on the cheap.
Marvin Emnes from Middlesborough or Jordan Rhodes from the Championship could be convinced to take the step up if the Hammers have the cash, while they also have the ability now to attract players from abroad.
A free agent Hugo Rodallega would be a far better punt than Saha, despite a disappointing season last year, he is seven years younger at 26, ready for a new challenge, and knows the Premier League.
Either way, West Ham have a multitude of options. Saha right now would just be taking up a place in the squad, and unnecessarily get in the way of Maynard’s progression.
Who do you want West Ham to sign? Do you agree Saha would be a bad move?
image: © nicksarebi
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