The Athletic’s Sam Delaney has been discussing West Ham United’s Brazilian winger Felipe Anderson and his future with the Irons.
West Ham secured the services of the attacker during the summer of 2018 after they stumped up an initial fee of £36m which had the potential to rise to £41.5m (per BBC).
Since then, the 27-year-old has made 66 appearances for the Irons in which he has bagged 11 goals and 10 assists (per Transfermarkt).
In the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, though, Delaney aired some concerns about the winger and stated his belief that Anderson should move on to pastures new.
He said: “He looks like a player who’s not happy. I mean, I’ve slated him a bit on this podcast but ultimately, on a human level, I think he’s a talented player. Lazio fans spoke highly of him. It didn’t seem overpriced when we got him for £35m.
“He showed flashes, like I think he got 10 goals last season and he had a real burst around autumn and winter of scoring a number of goals, and at that point, we thought we had a real gem. It hasn’t worked out this season.
“To me, when I look at him, I think he doesn’t look happy. He always looks gutted. I’m thinking, this is a bloke from Brazil. He’s been living in Rome, one of the world’s most beautiful and sunny cities, right? Now he’s ended up in east London in this echoey, old stadium.
“Perhaps he’s just not happy, perhaps in his lifestyle or… who knows? But he looks to me like a player who’s not happy and that’s affected his performances – and that’s why it’s probably best for everyone if he leaves.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what Delaney had to say, he clearly believes that Anderson is not currently happy at the London Stadium and it would be best if he left.
Should Felipe Anderson leave West Ham during the summer transfer window?
Yes, best for everyone
No, he should stay here
However, the Brazilian has still delivered a relatively respectable 7.00/10 average rating in the Premier League this season making him the Irons’ sixth-best performer (per WhoScored).
So, perhaps the journalist is being slightly harsh on the 27-year-old.