Supporters of West Ham United have been reacting to a transfer report which has emerged regarding the possible sale of Fabian Balbuena.
According to Football Insider, the Hammers will listen to offers for the Paraguayan defender during the next transfer window.
However, the player may be able to stay with the club if he can force his way into David Moyes’ first-team plans once the Premier League season restarts.
If the 28-year-old defender cannot force his way back into the Irons’ first-team when the league returns, Balbuena is reportedly ‘likely to leave‘ irrespective of whether West Ham have been relegated or not.
As announced last week, Premier League football is scheduled to return to action on 17th June (per West Ham).
David Moyes’ outfit current sits 16th in the Premier League table only out of the relegation zone on goal difference with nine matches left to play (per BBC).
However, if the report is to be believed, it seems as though the Paraguayan may be destined to depart the Irons.
After the report was shared to social media (via @whufc_news), though, supporters aired their thoughts on the touted player departure.
West Ham will listen to offers for Balbuena this summer if he does not force his way back into David Moyes’ plans during the final nine matches of the season.
[Source: Football Insider] pic.twitter.com/uCvmDjGpKO
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) June 2, 2020
Been better than him that’s for sure.
— ???????? (@BenHoole2004) June 3, 2020
Can’t say I’ll miss him terribly.
— Rob (@OldThinkerTube) June 2, 2020
This season, Balbuena has been the 11th-best performer for the Hammers in the league with a 6.67/10 average rating (per WhoScored); some fans were not keen on the idea of the departure, though.
actually think this could be a mistake
— Stephen George Lott (@stephenlott) June 3, 2020
I’ll be very sad if he’s let go, great leader ship and just had a dip in form
— LasVegasWestHam (@WestHaminVegas) June 3, 2020
Would it be a mistake for West Ham to sell Fabian Balbuena in the next transfer window?Yes, he should stay
No, he needs to leave
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Despite being a central defender, though, Balbuena’s defensive statistics this season have been a little hit and miss.
In the West Ham squad, the Paraguayan has made only the joint-14th-most tackles (1.2) per league game on average, however, has made the second-most clearances (4.6) and third-most interceptions (1.9) per outing.
There is a good player in there, he started off great.
— Jon pleydell (@JonPleydell) June 2, 2020
He will live on x
— The General? (@GeneralBalbuena) June 3, 2020
As can be seen in these responses from West Ham supporters, the London Stadium faithful were slightly divided over Balbuena’s possible departure.