After missing out on Richard Rios to Benfica, West Ham United have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive alternative who ticks several boxes for Graham Potter.
West Ham face Soucek concern
West Ham’s interest in Rios came as little surprise earlier this summer. Not only is the South American incredibly talented, but he could have also eased Potter’s Tomas Soucek concern. The Czech Republic midfielder has been linked with a move away from the London Stadium all summer long, with a reunion with David Moyes at Everton potentially on the cards, and his departure would deal West Ham a frustrating blow.
At the peak of his powers, Rios would have provided West Ham with an ideal replacement for their veteran midfielder amid speculation over his future. In the end, however, the 25-year-old couldn’t resist the chance to join Benfica in a deal worth around €30m (£26m).
So, it’s back to the drawing board for West Ham as they look to push on and add to their list of incomings, which currently includes just Daniel Cummings, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters.
After finishing as low as 14th in the Premier League last season too, the Hammers can ill-afford to get things wrong in Potter’s first full season in charge. The last thing they need is to be sucked into an unexpected relegation battle once again.
Related
West Ham launch approach to sign £25m+ ace who outscored Wilson last season
He outperformed Wilson last season…
With that said, reports are now suggesting that they’ve joined the battle to sign an impressive alternative to Rios this summer.
West Ham enter race to sign Deossa
As reported by Claret & Hugh, West Ham have now entered the race to sign Nelson Deossa from Monterrey after sending scouts to watch the midfield star in action. The Colombian grabbed the headlines earlier this summer when he unleashed a sensational strike against Urawa Reds at the Club World Cup and now has both West Ham and AS Roma jostling for his signature.
Monterrey are reportedly demanding just $16m (£12m) to sell Deossa this summer in what is a far cheaper deal than the £26m that Benfica paid to sign his compatriot, Rios.
Whether Deossa can replicate Rios’ ability is the big question. And to answer that query, Claret & Hugh were quick to point out that the 25-year-old would tick plenty of boxes for Potter this summer.
The South American is athletic, composed under pressure and well-rounded technically. On paper, West Ham could land a bargain deal which ensures that any Rios failure becomes an instant afterthought.
Up against Roma, who have already made contact in the race to sign Deossa, West Ham must act quickly if they want to secure their fourth arrival of the window.
