Pablo Zabaleta has agreed to join West Ham – and fans on Twitter have reacted with a mixture of delight and hostility.
Sky Sports News HQ reported on their official Twitter account on Friday morning that the 32-year-old, who will leave Manchester City upon the expiry of his contract next month, has settled terms to join the Hammers.
If Zabaleta does make the switch to the London Stadium then he will be the club’s first big-name signing of the summer.
The two-time Premier League winner would bring a wealth of experience with him, having played 230 league matches for City since joining them in 2008.
Towards the back end of this season, Slaven Bilic opted to play youngster Sam Byram at right-back as a number of players, including Michail Antonio, have played in that position this term.
West Ham fans on social media were very much split with their opinion on the experienced campaigner with some stating that he is a “class” player and the type of leader the clubs needs.
However, considering his age, others felt that he is a backup option added with the fact that he won’t be at the club in the long-term.
One supporter jokingly stated that “knowing Slaven he will play Zabaleta upfront”, referring to his questionable tactics throughout the season and another supporter openly expressed that he has been “let down again” by the club.
Overall, some fans were pleased to see someone of Zabaleta’s quality walking through the door but others were not pleased that he is going to be their first summer signing.
Here is a selection of their messages on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/ChufferBoom/status/868042331571748865
https://twitter.com/WestHamLad/status/868042021629571073
Can people stop saying Zabaleta is here to teach Byram please? Zaba is here to be our first-choice RB as he's 100x player Byram will ever be
— Jack Lebeau ??????? (@JackLebeau66) May 26, 2017
Knowing Slav he will play Zabaleta up front
— Dave Goodson ????? (@RomfordHammers) May 26, 2017
Not overly convinced by signing Zabaleta. Much like the Fonte and snodgrass signings. Shame we aren't investing in younger players WHUFC
— CharlieLWHU ? (@CharlieLWHU) May 26, 2017
Zabaleta… Damn that's a decent free transfer! #COYI
— Jon Worby (@jonworby) May 26, 2017
@pablo_zabaleta Welcome ??? COYI
— Callum (@CallumEndean) May 26, 2017
https://twitter.com/19H1997/status/868034490391777280
Over the course of the season, Zabaleta has played 32 matches in all competitions for Pep Guardiola’s side, including starting 11 Premier League encounters.
The Argentine international leaves City having played a mammoth 333 matches in all competitions during a nine-year period.