Why West Ham should exploit John Lundstram contract situation
Back in August, a report from the Sheffield Star had mentioned West Ham among the potential suitors for Sheffield United midfielder John Lundstram amid his contract dispute at Bramall Lane.
Premier League rivals Brighton and Scottish giants Rangers were also understood to be keeping an eye on the situation, although Blades boss Chris Wilder expressed hopes of the midfielder committing his long-term future to the club.
That hasn’t quite happened, with Lundstram yet to extend his contract at Sheffield United beyond the end of the ongoing campaign. Should things remain the same way, the 26-year-old is once again expected to emerge as a hot property when the market reopens in January.
Profile
A youth exponent of Everton, John Lundstram represented his boyhood club across various age-groups but never made a competitive appearance for the Toffees. He spent time on loan at Doncaster Rovers, Yeovil Town, Blackpool, Scunthorpe United and Leyton Orient in the Football League before securing a permanent transfer to Oxford United in 2015.
He helped the U’s secure promotion to League One and featured prominently in the third-tier in the following campaign, featuring 104 times for the club in all competitions over two seasons. Lundstram was eventually snapped up by Sheffield United in 2017 and has since amassed 98 appearances for the Blades in all competitions, registering 8 goals and 7 assists.
Lundstram only played a bit-part role in United’s promotion-winning 2018-19 campaign in the Championship but featured prominently as the Blades finished 9th in the PL last term. Despite his volatile situation at the club, the former England U-21 international has retained his status as a regular starter under Chris Wilder this season, starting 7 out of the club’s 10 league fixtures so far.
Lundstram would be a bargain addition to the Hammers’ ranks
Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice have been the first-choice central midfielders for David Moyes this season. Both players have played their part in West Ham’s promising start to the campaign, with the Hammers accumulating 17 points from their 10 opening league fixtures so far.
West Ham, though, are somewhat light in that department following the departure of Carlos Sanchez, Pedro Obiang and Jack Wilshere in recent windows. Mark Noble and Robert Snodgrass are the only feasible midfield alternatives available at Moyes’ disposal.
But with both players nearing their twilight at 33 and out of contract next summer, the Hammers would be wise enough to line up some replacements in the market.
The potential availability of John Lundstram at a knockdown price in January presents an excellent opportunity for West Ham to address their depth issues in central midfield. The 26-year-old proved his top-flight credentials during Sheffield United’s impressive campaign last time around, putting in several quality shifts.
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Verdict
John Lundstram still has several years remaining in his prime at 26 and he looks destined for greater heights in his career after establishing himself as a competent footballer in the Premier League. With that in mind, West Ham completing a cut-price swoop for the Blades star in January would surely go a long way towards solving a nagging issue in a key area of the pitch for David Moyes.
