Why Pedro Obiang could be a good signing for Fulham this summer
According to Sky Sports, Sampdoria and Fulham are among the clubs interested in signing West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang this summer. Obiang signed for West Ham from Italian Serie A side Sampdoria in 2015. The Spaniard still has four years left on his contract at the London Stadium. The central midfielder, who can also play as a defensive midfielder, only signed a new deal last summer.
However, the arrival of Manuel Pellegrini and his overhaul in a bid to turn West Ham’s fortunes should prompt Obiang to exit the club. Pellegrini has brought in a lot of new players this summer. To bolster his midfield options, Pellegrini has drafted in Felipe Anderson, Andriy Yarmolenko, and Jack Wilshere.
Cheikhou Kouyate has already moved to Crystal Palace and Obiang must follow suit. Although he was a midfield regular in the first half of the previous season, he only featured once in the Premier League since February due to a knee surgery.
Sky Sports has further claimed that Obiang is interested in a move to rejoin Sampdoria. The former Atletico Madrid youngster came through Sampdoria’s ranks and has made 128 league appearances for the Italian side, including a stint in Serie B.
Sampdoria must find a replacement for Uruguayan midfielder Lucas Torreira, who has joined Arsenal. However, moving to Fulham would allow Obiang to stay in London and the Premier League.
Fulham have already signed Jean Michel Seri from French Ligue 1 side Nice and left-winger Andre Schurrle from Dortmund. Having made 67 Premier League appearances, Obiang would be key in providing stability and marshalling Fulham’s midfield. His ability to hold on to the ball would be vital while transitioning from defending to attacking. Also, his influence in the final third will certainly prove to be fruitful.
An excellent dribbler, Obiang is adept at blocking the ball as part of his defensive contribution, meaning he would offer cover for Jokanovic’s back four. While attacking, the 26-year-old can play with the likes of Schurrle, Sessegnon, Seri and Cairney to initiate attacks and offer support for Kamara and Mitrovic.
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Newly promoted Fulham should do everything to lure the energetic Spaniard to Craven Cottage ahead of the next season. He might make all the difference between a relegation fight and a comfortable mid-table finish.
