OPINION
West Ham United have found a formidable centre back partnership this season with Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop.
However, there isn’t a whole lot of depth between the two Hammers starters. Winston Reid has been out injured all campaign with no timeline on his return, while Calcio Mercato reported recently that Milan and Roma were interested in a move for Angelo Obgonna.
It would make sense, then, for Manuel Pellegrini to bring in an extra centre half come January. A move for Dedryck Boyata would be perfect for the club.
A move for the 6ft 2in Belgium international [Source: Transfermarkt] would see the Chilean recruit arguably Scottish football’s finest defender, and one who is known to be unsettled at Parkhead.
The Sunday Post reported this summer that Boyata refused to play for the club amid intense transfer speculation on his future.
Eventually he remained at Celtic and did return to first team action, and he has been terrific for the Hoops this term despite the turmoil in the background.
West Ham must make sure that they profit on Boyata’s unrest by bringing the former Manchester City man to the London Stadium.
The 27-year-old is a powerful defender who is capable of winning physical duels with frontmen, but who also has tremendous technical ability.
If Balbuena or Diop were to experience a downturn in form then he would be the ideal player to step into their starting spots.
His signing would also give Pellegrini the option of playing with a back three, which would be a formidable one with Balbuena and Diop partnered by Boyata.
If Ogbonna leaves then a new centre back becomes a necessity for the Hammers – all they need to do is look north of the border for their defensive saviour.