Rodney Marsh believes West Ham’s capture of Premier League stalwart Pablo Zabaleta is a “brilliant signing”.
West Ham’s official website confirmed on Friday afternoon that 32-year-old defender had signed a two-year deal with the London club, after Man City refused to renew his deal at the Etihad Stadium.
Marsh, who played for Man City as well as two London clubs in Fulham and QPR, claimed on his personal Twitter account that the decision to sign the Argentina international was a “perfect” one.
>Zaba brilliant signing @whufc ! Didn't get many starts for City last season, but perfect for Hammers.
— Rodney Marsh?™? (@RodneyMarsh10) May 26, 2017
Zabaleta moves for nothing as his contract with Pep Guardiola’s side was set to expire in less than five weeks’ time after nine years with City.
West Ham’s new number five moved to England back in the summer of 2008 from La Liga side Espanyol and went on to make a huge 333 appearances in all competitions, becoming a fan favourite with the Sky Blues.
The Hammers had been crying out for a new right-back in the summer transfer window, with Sam Byram and Alavro Arbeloa failing to push their injury demons aside this campaign.
Although former Leeds defender Byram returned towards the end of the season, his performances were a cause for concern on the right side of defence and that has seen Slaven Bilic move quickly.
Zabaleta is likely to be the first of many signings this summer, as the Croat manager looks to push aside this season’s disappointment that saw the Hammers finish in a lowly 11th place.