OPINION
There will be a huge number of fans across the Premier League – many reluctantly – who will have been impressed with the sort of transfer business West Ham have got up to this summer.
Manuel Pellegrini has wasted no time in getting his hands on the board’s money and splashing it on some seriously exciting new arrivals for the Irons faithful to enjoy, including former Arsenal man Jack Wilshere and new record signing Felipe Anderson.
The whole team has been strengthened, from goalkeeper, defence and attack, and it does not sound as though the club’s activity in securing new recruits is over just yet.
However, while Hammers’ fans would have been hoping for a transfer window like the one they have got, it would also be wise to heed the warning ‘be careful what you wish for’.
French publication Le Dauphine claim on their website that the Irons have made an approach to Olympique Lyonnais about the possibility of signing Brazilian giant Marcelo this summer – but that the Ligue 1 side have slapped a £17.8million asking price on his head.
The 6’2″ (source: Transfermarkt) powerhouse would be joining the likes of new arrivals Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena at the heart of the defence at the London Stadium, but at that price, the club would find themselves the laughing stock of the Premier League.
Marcelo is by no means a promising youngster – he is 31-years-old, is without a single international cap and has two years left on his contract – hardly the most valuable of signings, it must be said.
His only major honours in Europe are the Dutch cup and Super Cup wins with PSV Eindhoven between 2012 and 2013, and his two Super Lig titles in Turkey with Besiktas.
Six Champions League appearances and 45 Europa League appearances – the furthest he has reached is the quarter finals – hardly warrants such a hefty price tag, and West Ham will just be embarrassed if they give the green light over Lyon’s demands.