OPINION
There can be little doubt that West Ham have had one of the most exciting transfer windows from any Premier League club this summer – but they are about to make a big transfer blunder which could impact heavily on the upcoming campaign.
From record signing Felipe Anderson to midfield maestro Jack Wilshere and goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, there is quality running through the new arrivals at the London Stadium, and there is a sense of renewed optimism with manager Manuel Pellegrini at the helm.
The heart of defence has been overhauled, with Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena joining the Irons’ ranks, but with Winston Reid now out through injury until October, there is a distinct lack of Premier League experience among the central defenders.
One man who had been touted for a move to east London is Swansea City’s Alfie Mawson, with Sky Sports claiming that they had reentered talks with the 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) powerhouse after a summer of chasing his capture.
However, it looks as though despite all their efforts over the past couple of months, he is heading elsewhere in the capital, with the London Evening Standard claiming Fulham are closing in on a £22million deal for the English defender.
A move to the Cottagers, who are newly promoted to the top flight, should serve as a hammer blow to Pellegrini and his men, who could have done with his experience of the top flight this season.
A proven performer, he could have helped guide the new arrivals as to what to expect from the Premier League’s attacks, as well as making sure that the Hammers stayed resolute on the pitch.
At 24-years-old, his best years are ahead of him, and at £22million in today’s market, it is not that wild a price tag.
It looks as though West Ham have dropped the ball on this one, and seeing him at Craven Cottage instead of the London Stadium will be a bitter pill to swallow.