For too long, West Ham haven’t been on the best path. We’ve been progressing since our move to the London Stadium, sure, but that progression has come slowly, and that’s frustrating.
However, could that change this summer? Our appointment of Manuel Pellegrini last summer seemed to be a big step forward, and now the manager seems to be planning further growth.
Over the last week, West Ham have been linked with audacious moves for both Ivan Perisic (via La Gazzetta dello Sport) and Maxi Gomez (via the Daily Mail) – two targets that would have been unfeasible a couple of years ago.
Ivan Perisic, of course, is best known as the star of Croatia’s run to the World Cup final in the summer, and he’s been a reliable player for Inter Milan over in Serie A for a number of years now. He’s a lethal goalscorer with bags of energy and pace, and he’s one of Europe’s best natural wingers.
Gomez, meanwhile, is a player that is still developing – but his La Liga form this term has been sensational. He’s bagged 11 league goals this year, in addition to 17 last season, and that goes part of the way to explaining how impressive he’s been at Celta Vigo. At 22-years-old, he’s already a proven international goalscorer – and the best is certainly yet to come.
Both players are amongst Europe’s most exciting, and so the fact that West Ham are interested speaks volumes about the Hammers’ plans. They’re no longer focusing on second-rate talent. Only the best is good enough – and that mentality change is exactly what is needed.
If Manuel Pellegrini is able to sign even one of these players this summer, it’ll be clear how high the club are aiming.
Thoughts?
