The World Cup is fast approaching, and West Ham may look for new signings there.
West Ham United have a crucial few weeks ahead of them as they attempt to stay in the Premier League, but they must also think about summer reinforcements no matter what division they are in next season.
The appointment of a director of football this summer may just change some transfer plans for West Ham, but they will no doubt be keeping tabs on the World Cup.
The Hammers have made signings after each of the last five World Cups; Chile’s Javier Margas in 1998, Republic of Ireland’s Gary Breen in 2002, Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano in 2006, New Zealand’s Winston Reid and Mexico’s Pablo Barrera in 2010 and Ecuador’s Enner Valencia in 2014.
Those signings had varying degrees of success, but West Ham should still be looking for new additions during this summer’s major tournament.
A new centre back has to be a priority for West Ham, and here are three who are set to play in Group H who should be on the Hammers’ radar this summer.
Yerry Mina, Barcelona & Colombia
Barcelona only signed Mina from Palmeiras in January, but he looks set for a summer move away having failed to settle in Catalunya, with a loan move or even permanent exit on the cards. West Ham wanted Mina in January 2017 according to The Mirror, and they should track his displays for Colombia to weigh up a new move. The 23-year-old possesses great height and should feature for Colombia this summer, with his youth and potential just what the Hammers need at the back.
Michal Pazdan, Poland & Legia Warsaw
If West Ham go for a more experienced option, then Poland’s Michal Pazdan fits the bill. The 30-year-old had notched 30 caps for Poland, and has been a regular for Legia Warsaw since making a 2015 move from Jagiellonia Bialystok. Pazdan is a little undersized at 5ft 11in tall, but would represent a solid budget option for the Hammers having formed a strong partnership at the back with Kamil Glik for Poland.
Salif Sane, Hannover and Senegal
A teammate of Cheikhou Kouyate, Hannover defender Sane has starred this season and could be in line for a summer move. The 27-year-old is a huge centre back standing at 6ft 5in tall, possessing great size and aerial ability. Sane is expected to be key for Senegal in the heart of defence alongside Kalidou Koulibaly, and West Ham should certainly be keeping tabs on the Bundesliga star as they look for defensive reinforcements.
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