OPINION
West Ham must spoil Brighton’s Premier League survival party by quickly swooping for defender Lewis Dunk.
The Seagulls defeated Manchester United 1-0 on Friday to guarantee their Premier League status for next season, and the players celebrated as soon as the final whistle blew.
Chris Hughton’s side were clearly thrilled to have avoided relegation, however the Hammers could quickly turn the mood sour at Falmer Stadium by tabling a respectable offer for Dunk.
Brighton will be desperate not to lose the 6ft 4in tall defender as he has put in some impressive displays, during the 37 appearances he has made this season, to help his side stay in England’s top flight.
While Seagulls fans might question why Dunk would want to jump ship to the Hammers, as they’ve also battle Premier League relegation, they need to understand the lure of playing for West Ham.
David Moyes’ side may not be covering themselves in glory right now, but the Hammers have a long lustrous history and pay their players way more than the Seagulls pay theirs.
According to Silly Season, the Seagulls’ highest earner Anthony Knockaert earns £45,000-a-week while the Hammers’ highest earner, according to Silly Season, Javier Hernandez earns a £140,000-a-week.
Therefore why wouldn’t Dunk jump at the chance to move to the London Stadium where he could earn more money for putting in the same standard of performances.
So all the Hammers need to do is submit an high enough offer, which they have funds to do, and it would be pretty much guaranteed that they could tie up a deal for colossus defender before the summer window even officially opens.
Dunk would help fix the Hammers’ defensive problems next season, Moyes’ side have conceded 67 goals in 35 league games so far this campaign, and with a fantastic centre-back like Dunk in their team, their record would instantly improve.
Therefore the Hammers should spoil Brighton’s celebrations by pinching one of their key players, in the form of Dunk, as he would be a revelation at the back for Moyes’ side next season.