OPINION
With the summer exit of James Collins and Patrice Evra, West Ham saw them slash the average age of their squad down – but that is not to say that experience is not worth having, or even bringing in.
The Irons have seen some new stars, many with little to no experience of playing in England, arrive to replace the veteran figures, with the likes of Fabian Balbuena, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks all joining Manuel Pellegrini in a new look Hammers side – although some familiar faces have remained.
In fact, despite the former Fulham defender’s arrival, it has been Argentine right back Pablo Zabaleta, one of the most recognisable figures of the current Premier League era thanks to his time at Manchester City, who has featured most prominently on the right hand side of the defence, and his free signing back in the summer of 2017 looks to be a masterstroke.
With the other full back role looking like it also needs attention, with Arthur Masuake and Aaron Cresswell hardly filling anyone with confidence this season, Pellgrini could do with lightning striking twice, and while he might not find a freebie in January, there could be a proven Premier League veteran to fill the void.
Step forward Everton’s Leighton Baines.
Currently out of favour at Goodison Park after the signing of Lucas Digne, the 33-year-old is hardly going to want to remain on the sidelines and watch on in the twilight of his career, and he would likely be open to a move with cut price wages if it meant securing a regular place in a Premier League side.
His sell on value is not going to be much, but Everton, after seeing his hard years of service on Merseyside, might not demand too much money for his sale in order to secure him a switch that he deserves.
If the Hammers were to make a switch, then Masuaku and Cresswell would have some serious competition, Baines would have senior game time and the Irons could make the most of his resolute defending and dangerous set-piece skills.
It is a win-win all round, and it would be another masterstroke for the east London outfit.