OPINION
West Ham must sign West Brom playmaker Nacer Chadli this summer after he admitted that he could be on this way out of The Hawthorns this summer after the Black Country club’s relegation from the Premier League.
The Daily Mail has reported that a £17million release clause has been activated in Chadli’s deal at the Baggies after they suffered the drop to the Championship, and Manuel Pellegrini must be on hand to snap up the ex-Tottenham midfielder as soon as he can.
Chadli’s latest comments may suggest that he is looking to quit The Hawthorns in the summer as he failed to say whether he had played his final game for the club.
When asked if he will be seen in the blue and white stripes again, Chadli was quoted by the Mail in their live transfer blog on Thursday [02:31] as saying: “I don’t know.”
“At the moment I will try to focus on the next game which is Portugal on Saturday. After that I will see if I’m in the squad for the World Cup.
“I have told my agent already, I won’t speak with anybody. If I have to go [and speak], I will go in my holidays and maybe have some meetings.”
A summer move is certainly on the cards for the Belgium international, who understandably has his sights on the World Cup, but will also surely have one some of his attention diverted towards his uncertain club future.
West Ham should definitely swoop in and pick him though as the midfield at the London Stadium has lacked the technical talents of someone like Chadli this season.
The attacking midfielder could serve as a quality back-up option to Manuel Lanzini, while his ability to play out wide is also something that Pellegrini should consider.
For £17million, the Chilean would be adding real strength in depth and versatility, that would see the Hammers have a hugely successful season.