Dynamo Moscow believe they’ve pulled off a coup by signing Fabian Balbuena from West Ham United, as reported by Soccer.
It’s easy to forget – as the Paraguay international left the London Stadium on a free transfer – that Balbuena was one of the first names on David Moyes’ team sheet less than 12 months ago.
The battle-scarred centre-back forged a formidable partnership with Angelo Ogbonna during the first few months of last season, starring in comprehensive wins over Leicester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But, after suffering an unfortunate injury at the start of the festive period, Balbuena lost his place to Craig Dawson – and that was that.
The 29-year-old ended the campaign as West Ham’s fourth-choice centre-back, a harsh reminder of how quickly things can change in top-level football.
Will West Ham regret letting Fabian Balbuena go?
Balbuena will now look to make up for lost time in Russia, with reports suggesting he could earn up to £80,000 a week at his new club – twice the amount he took home at West Ham.
“Balbuena is a very experienced player. He was convincing – from his actions and decisions on the field when we looked at him to his behaviour in the negotiations,” says Dynamo coach Sandro Schwarz.
“Now we have very serious competition in the centre of defence with high-quality performers. This is what we wanted. We are delighted Fabian has joined our team.”
Sporting director and former Liverpool coach Zeljko Buvac, meanwhile, hailed the addition of an “excellent centre-back” – one who was tipped to reunite with Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis before heading north instead.
West Ham are now scouring the market for a replacement, with Joe Worrall, Nikola Maksimovic and Takehiro Tomiyasu all reported to be of interest to the London Stadium outfit.
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