West Ham United are ready to pay £25million for Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes, according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers news source claims that Manuel Pellegrini’s side are aware that their initial £18million bid for the 6ft 2in Portugal international [Source: Transfermarkt] won’t be enough to snare him.
However, they are ready to up their offer for the player, after he enjoyed an excellent season on loan with Premier League side Everton this campaign.
The West Ham boss is desperately keen to bring the 25-year-old in, but Barca want £30million for him. However, there is a feeling that £25million could get the job done.
Good move for West Ham?
In a word, yes. Gomes is a tremendous talent who strutted his stuff throughout the season with the Toffees. He is a classy operator with more natural ability than any midfielder the Hammers currently possess – yes, even Declan Rice.
Pellegrini will likely need to bring in some central midfield help this summer, with the team suffering from a lack of options in that area this season. Pedro Obiang’s future is uncertain, while Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez are not reliable options for the Chilean.
Gomes would come in and instantly command a starting role alongside Rice in the middle of the park – what a double act that would be. So, yes, the Barca star would be a terrific signing for West Ham.
This is Futbol rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
Now, this is the thing. Competition is obviously going to be fierce for Gomes, with Everton almost certain to make a play for the midfielder as well. You’d think that they’d have the upper hand after he spent the season at Goodison Park, but the Hammers have gone in early here.
Still, the feeling is that the Portuguese is more likely to end up on Merseyside than in east London.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10