West Ham Opinion: Why the Hammers should make a move for Tom Cairney

Back in June 2018, a report from the Sky Sports claimed West Ham had a £20m bid turned down for Fulham midfielder Tom Cairney in the summer transfer window.

Tom Cairney, 28, played a significant role in getting Fulham promoted to the Premier League, most importantly going on to score the goal that sent the Cottagers up. But it hasn’t been a season to remember for Cairney, with no goals and just an assist coming in the Premier League this term.

Fulham find themselves at the wrong end of the table and look very likely to head back to the Championship. Relegation for the west Londoners could see them lose a lot of quality players, including Cairney and despite the 28-year-old failing to live up to the expectations in the top-flight, West Ham should snap him up in the summer.

After a dismal start to this season, West Ham have recovered very well and stand a chance to finish best of the rest outside the Big Six.

They are just two points adrift of seventh-placed Wolves, although Manuel Pellegrini’s side have played a game more. Nevertheless, the Hammers will look to battle until the final game of the season to finish seventh and claim a place in the Europa League play-offs.

While they have recovered from the issues that plagued the club, Pellegrini needs to make reinforcements. An area that needs through addressing is the midfield, with Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez on the sidelines almost from the start of the season.

The likes of Declan Rice and Mark Noble have had to play regularly due to lack of options in the middle of the park.

However, there is a certain limit until the ageing Noble can perform and that’s exactly why the Hammers should add Tom Cairney.

Cairney’s versatility to play in a double-pivot, in a midfield three and as an advanced playmaker makes him such a valuable asset. But when used in his preferred no.10 role, the 28-year-old really flourishes.

A creative midfielder by trade, the Englishman really excels in unlocking defences. He uses his incredible ability to pick a pass, vision to set up attacks and intelligence to get into goal-scoring positions. While his defensive nature of the game would make him a great partner for Rice, it’s the former Blackburn Rovers ace’s offensive abilities that will help West Ham.

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Cairney will challenge the likes of Felipe Anderson and the fit-again Manuel Lanzini for a place in the team, whereas his versatility would give Pellegrini an opportunity to rest Noble when required.

Verdict

West Ham need reinforcements in the summer, especially in the midfield and which is exactly why adding a creative force like Cairney will help them in their ambitions next season.