OPINION
There are many Championship stars who you could make the case for deserving to be playing in the Premier League, but West Bromwich Albion attacker Jay Rodriguez’s absence from the top flight is criminal.
Obviously he remains in the second tier because his club don’t want to sell him, and with good reason, but for a team like West Ham United he would be the perfect January purchase.
Uncertainty abounds the Hammers’ current attacking corps, with the futures of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez and Andy Carroll all up in the air.
That means that manager Manuel Pellegrini would be wise to bring a new striker into the club in January, and Rodriguez would be the ideal addition.
We know that the Chilean likes players who work hard for the team both offensively and defensively, and Rodriguez is one of the most willing runners in English football.
He’s also a man bang in form, as his brace against Wigan Athletic on Wednesday saw his goal tally increase to 12 for the season. Last time out he bagged 11 goals in all competitions for a woeful Baggies team that were, of course, eventually relegated.
He’s also had excellent seasons with Burnley and Southampton in the past, and has proven that he can do it at Premier League, as well as Championship level.
Championship high-flyers West Brom, who sit third in the table, would certainly be resistant to selling him when they’re in the midst of a promotion push, but any offer of £20million+ would surely be enough to at least bring Darren Moore to the table.
The Hammers need to find an extra spark up front and Rodriguez could undoubtedly provide it. He would work well with the other attackers already at the London Stadium, and is a man in high spirits at this moment in time.
All in all, it’s a no brainer for West Ham. They need to get on the phone and make a deal happen, then wait for the inevitable surge up the table.