Austute ManWest Ham United has had a strong summer transfer window, but they can make it even better with a savvy swap deal involving Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli. The Hammers need quality in midfield, physical presence, and the ability to compete with teams higher up the table.
Locatelli, who has limited playing time at Juventus, can be the answer. Juventus is undergoing a rebuilding process under new coach Thiago Motta and has signed several players, including Douglas Luiz and Khephren Thuram. They need money to sign Teun Koopmeiners, and West Ham can propose a swap deal involving Locatelli and Emerson Palmieri.
The deal would benefit both teams, as Juventus needs a left-back and West Ham needs a quality midfielder. Locatelli would partner with Edson Álvarez to form a strong midfield, and the Hammers already have a replacement for Palmieri in Aaron Cresswell.
West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, has a task to get the team back to European competition while keeping them competitive in the league. The opening-day defeat to Aston Villa served as a reminder that nothing is given in the Premier League; everything must be hard earned. Villa have demonstrated what quality means, having spent £50 million on Amadou Onana.
A quality upgrade can be found by casting the net wide, looking beyond the Premier League. Locatelli has the experience and skill to make a difference in West Ham’s midfield. He has played for Juventus and the Italian national team and has the physical presence and ability to compete with teams higher up the table.
The attack is not a problem for West Ham, with Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen leading the line. However, the defensive side of the midfield needs to be solved quickly. This swap deal can be the answer, and West Ham should consider it before the transfer window shuts.
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Sport nation
Amina Umar
Sport Nation 2