West Ham Opinion: Hammers should sign Rafael for free in the summer
According to the Sun on Sunday, West Ham are interested in signing former Man United right-back Rafael on a free transfer from Lyon in the summer.
The same report claims that the 28-year-old Brazilian is keen to make a move back to the Premier League, having left Old Trafford four years back.
Rafael made a total of 170 appearances for the Red Devils in all competitions, accumulating 5 goals and 15 assists before completing a switch to France with Lyon in the summer of 2015. He has enjoyed a successful spell in Ligue 1 but a return to England seems very much on the cards for the Brazilian, with the Hammers weighing up a move.
West Ham were tipped for big things in the ongoing campaign following their spending spree last summer. Although the Hammers have enjoyed a promising first season under Manuel Pellegrini, their recent performances have highlighted that there is still plenty of work to be done in the summer if they are to challenge for a spot in Europe next season.
West Ham’s recent dip in form might see them lose out to Watford and Wolves for the Europa League qualifying spot and it would be fair to say that they need more depth and balance in their ranks to be more consistent.
Right-back has always been a problematic area for the Hammers this season and Pablo Zabaleta’s performance in the 2-0 defeat to Everton once again epitomized the need for reinforcements.
The veteran Argentinian was caught napping as Bernard outsmarted him with a piece of clever movement to guide the ball effortlessly into the net. With all due respect to his abilities, Zabaleta is at the twilight of his career.
Although he has come up with some impressive displays in the Premier League this term, the Hammers can certainly do with a quality replacement in the summer. Ryan Fredericks has struggled for form and fitness since his move from Fulham and a new right-back should be in the manager’s plans heading into the upcoming season.
To put things into perspective, Rafael might not be a household name in Europe but he has plenty of experience of playing at the highest level for Man United and Lyon.
It is a no-brainer that you cannot be a bad player when you have played 170 games for a club like Man United. Also, the prospect of landing him on a free transfer in the summer should be appealing to the east Londoners as it would allow Pellegrini to invest in other areas of his squad.
A fast, agile, offensive-minded and technically-gifted right back, Rafael is very quick across the ground and has the stamina and the drive to patrol up and down the pitch throughout the ninety minutes.
He is comfortable with the ball at his feet and often carries the ball forward with pace and intent. The Brazilian likes to contribute to the attack by playing further up the pitch, which should make him a good fit for Pellegrini’s system.
The former Man United star excels with his quick passing and has a penchant for producing key defence-splitting passes from the wide areas to create openings for his teammates.
To add to that, Rafael also boasts of a very good understanding of the game, using his positional sense and awareness to good effect to cut out the attacks at the back.
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The twice-capped Brazilian has loads of Champions League and Europa League experience in his CV and his acquisition would be a massive boost to the Hammers in their pursuit of European football next season.
Still only 28, Rafael has plenty of years remaining at the peak of his career, and it is not difficult to see why West Ham would strike gold by luring him to the London Stadium.
