West Ham United target Adnan Januzaj is working on an “intense personal training programme” so he is ready to sign for David Moyes’ side if a deal gets the all-clear.
That is according to Dean Jones, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the Irons’ potential transfer business ahead of August’s Premier League kick-off.
Moyes’ side have been linked with a potential move for Januzaj throughout the summer, with reports in Spain (via Sport Witness) suggesting that the Irons have the winger “on their agenda”.
The 15-time Belgium international is now a free agent after leaving Real Sociedad at the end of his contract this summer.
Januzaj has worked under Moyes before during the Scotsman’s ill-fated reign as Manchester United manager during the 2013/14 season and three years later at Sunderland.
And according to Jones, it looks like Moyes and Januzaj could be set for another reunion in the surroundings of the London Stadium.
Jones said: “He’s [Januzaj] been working on an intense personal training programme to make sure he’s ready for when this deal gets the green light.
“He doesn’t want to be off the pace, he wants to be challenging.
“And if that’s the case, if they’re [West Ham] bringing him in, you have to wonder about the guys here already in his position.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
Interestingly, Januzaj is good friends with Jesse Lingard and they even trained together last summer in Mykonos.
We believe that whilst Januzaj – described as “excellent” by former teammate Paul Scholes – might not have been at the top of every Irons fan’s transfer wishlist this summer, he may prove to be a smart signing as a free agent.
The £10.8m-rated man is a competent dribbler of the ball, and ranked in the top 9% of attacking midfielders/wingers for dribbles completed per 90 minutes last season (2.70), according to FBRef.
Januzaj might not be an elite wide-man, but as a free agent, he could prove handy for Moyes this season as the Scotsman looks to balance the Hammers’ Premier League and Europa Conference League campaigns, and that’s why we believe that West Ham should take a punt on the Belgian.