Why Ryan Fraser to West Ham would bolster their attack
According to The Sun, West Ham are keen on signing Bournemouth star Ryan Fraser ahead of the new campaign.
The report suggests that the Hammers could face competition to secure his services as Crystal Palace have offered the winger a £50,000-a week deal and West Ham are yet to match that offer.
Profile
Born in Scotland, Fraser came through the ranks of Aberdeen’s youth system. After making 23 appearances for his boyhood club, the Cherries signed him in January 2013. However, he struggled in his initial years at the Vitality Stadium and was sent on loan to Ipswich Town.
Since his return to his parent club, he established himself as a key member of the squad and also helped them get promoted to the top-flight at the end of the 2015/16 season. However, after making 208 appearances, Fraser left the club last month once his contract came to an end.
He has also been capped 11 times by Scotland since making his debut in 2017 and still looks to be in good form. Thus, the Hammers should make a swift move for the Scottish international.
Fraser could provide depth in the wide areas for West Ham
At the moment, five wingers are available at David Moyes’ disposal. Robert Snodgrass was a regular starter earlier in the campaign but fell down the pecking order in the latter stages of the season. Ukraine international Andriy Yarmalenko also hasn’t been at his best in recent times.
Winter signing Jarrod Bowen has done a decent job so far since his arrival. He has forced himself into the starting XI and looks set on the right side of the attack.
However, on the left side of the frontline, Felipe Anderson has failed miserably. And young Grady Diangana just returned from his loan spell and is wanted back by West Brom ahead of the new season. Thus, a winger is a must in the summer.
In that regard, making a move for Fraser seems to be sensible. The Scottish international has been in brilliant form in the last few years for the Cherries. He managed to rack up 7 goals and 14 assists in the 2018/19 league campaign and also did a decent job last season. He could be a crucial player for the Hammers next term.
He has made over 250 career appearances and still has a lot more to offer at the top level. And his experience would also be a massive boost to the squad which has lacked the intensity. He could provide them with some much-needed quality and depth in their attack if he is able to replicate the form he has shown in the last few seasons.
Read more
- Why West Ham keeping hold of Issa Diop would be a right decision
- Why West Ham should push to sign Luka Jovic from Real Madrid
Verdict
With Anderson completely out of form and Diangana linked with a permanent switch to West Brom, it is clear that the Hammers would do well to sign a winger. And signing the 26-year-old Fraser on a free transfer would be a smart move by the club. He could boost their attacking unit.
