OPINION
West Ham United are undoubtedly an ambitious club, but as of yet they are still a little short on top class players.
However, the Hammers can fix that somewhat by winning the race for Barcelona playmaker Denis Suarez. Spanish publication Sport reported on Friday that the Hammers are one of three Premier League outfits who have enquired about the Spaniard, along with Everton and Watford.
Italian giants AC Milan were also said to be interested in the player, but only wanted him on loan. Barcelona, meanwhile, are seeking at least £9million for the 24-year-old.
That fee is nothing for a player of Suarez’s quality. This is a top class operator who excelled in La Liga and the Europa League with Villarreal and Sevilla prior to his Barca stint.
He hasn’t quite made the grade at the Nou Camp but that’s nothing unusual. Many quality players have failed to make a significant impact in Catalonia, including Everton’s on loan midfielder Andre Gomes, who is currently starring at Goodison Park.
Recruiting a world class creator like Suarez would see the London Stadium erupt. We’ve seen the impact that Felipe Anderson has had in East London this season, and Suarez is arguably a more naturally talented footballer than the Brazilian.
At 24 years of age he is someone who is only going to get better in the coming years, and he can grow alongside West Ham as a club.
Having Anderson and Suarez playing in behind Marko Arnautovic would be huge for the Hammers, providing them with arguably the most lethal attack outside of the Premier League’s top six.
It would be a real shame for West Ham fans to see Suarez wearing the blue of Everton or the yellow and black of Watford knowing that he could have been in claret and blue. Let’s hope that doesn’t happen.