OPINION
West Ham can make a statement by borrowing the services of Schalke midfielder Sebastian Rudy especially with Manchester City reportedly keen on him.
The Sun reported on Sunday that Schalke may be open to loaning out the 28-year-old midfield enforcer if there is a fee involved and that Man City may launch a surprise loan bid due to seeking cover for Fernandinho.
The fact Man City are keen on Rudy and their competing for the Premier League title this season after storming to it in the 2017/18 campaign, it’s shows the calibre of player the 28-year-old is.
Given there is at least a small chance that the midfielder could be loaned out for the second half of the season, the Hammers must try their luck to get him as he is exactly what they need as well as the fact that beating Man City to him would make everyone take note of the Londoners’ ambitions.
The Hammers’ Premier League rivals on paper should look more of an appealing prospect to Rudy due to competing at the very top of the division, but given his lack of game time this season, Manuel Pellegrini could lure him to the London Stadium.
The 28-year-old has only featured eight times for Schalke in the Bundesliga this season despite only joining them in the summer, and it’s no doubt frustrated by this situation.
It’s odd that Rudy is struggling to establish himself at the German club as he previously demonstrated, particularly when with Hoffenheim, that excellent shielder of the ball and is able to be an extra layer of protection for his side’s defence.
The midfield enforcer is also a decent crosser of the ball which would see him carve out some chances for the Hammers if recruited.
Given that if Declan Rice gets injured, Manuel Pellegrini would struggle to find a top-quality option to cover his loss as the side’s midfield anchor then the Hammers should go in for Rudy and make a statement by successfully borrowing him.