Joao Mario reportedly rejected a loan move to West Ham only to change his mind; but now it’s time for the Hammers to shun him.
Sky Sports revealed on Thursday that the Inter Milan midfielder had turned down a chance to join David Moyes side, after RMC Sport had reported that talks had begun for the Hammers to secure his services.
However, Sky Sports Italy correspondent Gianluca Di Marzio then reported on his personal website that Mario was willing to re-consider the move.
There is no doubting that the attacking midfielder possess all the qualities to make him potentially one of the best signings of the window, if West Ham signed him.
Mario has the ability to carve defenses open with his dazzling dribbling ability, along with his knack of playing key passes which slice through a defence.
Even though he possess this talents, Inter Milan would be willing to let him go as he only featured 15 times for them this season.
But despite him being available and now considering a Hammers move, Moyes shouldn’t add the 25-year-old to his squad.
The last thing West Ham need in a relegation fight, is a player in two-minds about being there.
West Ham may be sitting 11th in the league currently, but they’re only five points clear of the relegation zone and things can change quickly.
When fighting for your Premier League survival, a club needs players willing to put their bodies on the line and fight to the very end.
With Mario’s reported indecisiveness implying that he isn’t that type of player.
The attacking midfielder, who can also feature on the right-flank, would be an ideal signing in the summer, when West Ham are completely safe.
However, their current scenario calls for a different type of midfielder.
While it’s true, Moyes needs midfielders capable of providing an attacking spark; these midfielders will also need to be capable of tracking-back to ensure the Hammers don’t lose games.
Look at Javier Hernandez’s current struggles at West Ham, the forward is a wonderful talent but given the way Moyes needs him to play; he’s surplus to requirements.
Mario is of a similar mold, the midfielder is weak when it comes to tackling and aerial duels; and could be a lightweight player that Moyes couldn’t afford to play in crunch games.
This is why despite ticking all the boxes on paper, and being a dreamy signing for the Hammers; West Ham need to say no and switch targets.