West Ham United have just been dealt a huge blow in their pursuit of Premier League’s veteran right-back Glen Johnson with reports emerging that the 32-year-old is closing in on a contract extension with the Potters, which means he would more or less end his career at the Bet365 stadium.
Johnson’s contract with Stoke City was expiring at the end of this season with numerous Premier League club’s eyeing to land him on a free transfer. But it was not to happen as the player is in advanced talks on a one-year deal, which he is expected to sign in the next few days. He was brought from Liverpool on a free transfer in 2015 and his wages are understood to be around the £60,000 a week mark.
And given the repeated injuries that he has incurred this season, which has reduced his appearances to just 19, so far, he won’t be having much to give two years down the line. Slaven Bilic will clearly have to go for other options now as the Croat manager looks to come back stronger next season after a dismal 2016-17 campaign.
The Hammers sit in the 13th position of the league table with 37 points after starting the season as a Europa League participant and top four finish as a target. Bilic will be under huge pressure to bring reinforcements next season and right-back is one of their prime areas, which was filled by defensive midfielder Cheikhou Kouyaté for most of the season in the absence of Sam Byram and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Here are 3 options the Hammers could target in the coming summer.
Bacary Sagna- City’s faltering backline is expected to scrapped and revamped as soon as the season ends, which would mean a number of Premier League’s experienced crop leaving Etihad. Sagna is one of them and the 34-year-old surely has a lot to give. He is now in top-flight English football for 10 years and could bring stability in Hammers’ back line.
Billy Jones- Yet another experienced player, who is well acquainted with the rigours of the Premier League, Billy Jones could be an assured option on that right defensive flank. The 30-year-old will be grabbing the first chance to move away from the Stadium of Light with Sunderland more or less sure to get relegated at the end. He would definitely be a cheap buy for the Hammers.
Antonio Barragan- Barragan could be a brilliant signing for the Hammers if they can use him well. The 29-year-old has had a season to forget after Middlesbrough, like Sunderland, looks set to be pushed to across the line at the end of the season and West Ham could be a new birth for the Spaniard. Having played at big clubs like Valencia and Liverpool, Barragan is vastly experienced and could provide the perfect quality in West Ham’s defence.
