Why West Ham should make a move for Michy Batshuayi
According to The Express, West Ham are leading the race to sign Chelsea forward Michy Batshuayi, with Chelsea willing to offload the striker.
The 26-year-old is a product of Standard Liege’s youth academy. After three seasons with the Belgian outfit’s senior set-up, he moved to France with Marseille. In his time in Ligue 1, the striker excelled with 33 goals in 78 games. Chelsea signed him when he was on top of his form in the summer of 2016.
However, since his move to Stamford Bridge, the Belgian has failed to live up to the expectations. He was sent on several loan spells but that didn’t help him integrate into Frank Lampard’s starting XI. He has fallen down the pecking order at Chelsea. Thus, West Ham should take advantage of his situation and make a move for the Blues outcast in the summer.
The Hammers, meanwhile, have endured a disappointing campaign so far. In 13 league games from the start of October to the end of December, West Ham had won just 2 games. As a result, Manuel Pellegrini was sacked before the New Year. David Moyes’ second spell as manager got off to a good start but the results didn’t last long.
The West Londoners succumbed due to their inconsistency and are currently in 16th position in the league table, level on points with the relegation-threatened Bournemouth. The defence has failed miserably throughout the campaign, conceding 50 goals in just 29 games.
Batshuayi could add depth to West Ham’s attack
While bringing in defensive reinforcements is needed, the manager should also make sure to bolster his attacking options ahead of the new season. Sebastien Haller and Albian Ajeti are the two forwards available at the manager’s disposal. And Jordan Hugill has just returned from his loan spell with Queen Park Rangers.
Summer signing Haller has scored just 7 goals so far in the league and Ajeti is yet to open his account in the league. Both of them have failed to lead West Ham’s attack in the right way and as a result, Moyes’ side have managed just 35 goals so far. Thus, signing a centre-forward in the summer would help the manager.
In that regard, signing Batshuayi would be a boost to the squad. He has not been at his best due to a lack of game time and he could be a crucial player for West Ham next season if given the right opportunities. He has made over 328 career appearances and would definitely bring in a wealth of experience.
Read more
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Verdict
With the lack of quality up front, the Hammers are in dire need of strikers to lead their attack. And Batshuayi needs to be playing regularly. He could provide them with the much-needed goals if he is able to get back to his best form. The Belgian is just 26 and has a lot more to offer and thus, the Londoners should make a move for him in the summer.
