Journalist Sam Delaney has featured on the latest episode of the U Irons podcast to discuss all things related to West Ham as they continue to fight for a place in the top four.
Following West Ham’s defeat to fourth-placed Chelsea, Delaney touched on the topic of potential transfers with the summer market quickly approaching.
The journalist stated the Hammers will have to sell players before they find themselves in a position to spend this summer and he believes Issa Diop could be a good option to sell this summer.
Should West Ham sell Diop this summer?
Yes
No
Diop is valued at £16.2m by Transfermarkt,which is certainly a good amount of money to get the Hammers rolling in the transfer market.
The Frenchman has only made 14 appearances for David Moyes in the Premier League this season and since making it back into the starting XI over the last 10 league games, the Hammers have lost on four occasions. (via Transfermarkt)
Discussing the defender as a potential outgoing this summer, Delaney had the following to say on the matter:
“I feel that a player like him [Issa Diop] still has potential to be a very good player. But I think from West Ham’s point of view, considering that we never have much money to spend, who does? (19:15)
“And if we want to make some decent signings, we’re going to have to sell. To me he’s a prime candidate because usually, we sell players who don’t have much value. So really, it’s just an exercise in getting them off of the wage bill.
“But you look at Diop’s age you sort of think he’s someone who can still fetch a reasonable fee for but he is not first choice.”
TIF Thoughts on Delaney’s comments…
Diop made 32 appearances in the Premier League for the Hammers last season so it is a surprise to hear Delaney suggest he could be an option to consider selling this summer to create some money to spend. However, they have clearly coped well without the 24-year-old for a lot of this season as they find themselves challenging for a place in the Champions League.
According to reports, David Moyes’ side will be looking to secure the services of the on-loan Jesse Lingard on a permanent basis. The Manchester United player has thrived since joining the Londoners and it is said he will cost in the region of £25m.
If West Ham can get around £15m for a player who has only made 14 appearances in the league this season and put that towards the potential permanent signing of Lingard, then that may make a lot of sense to the club.
In other news: ‘That would be an outrageous move’ – Sky Sports man hails £36m-rated West Ham transfer link