According to reports, West Ham United are now weighing up a move for former Premier League midfielder Thorgan Hazard as Slaven Bilic’ search for a playmaker continues. The Belgian international had an impressive stint with German side Borussia Monchengladbach that has put him back on the radar of many English clubs that include Leicester City and Stoke City as well.
West Ham are very much aware of the tremendous failure of their last transfer window when they were hot on heels of some of the hottest prospects across Europe and ended up getting none of their priority targets. They will be treading with extreme care this time in picking up their targets and Hazard could be an arrival given his unfinished business in England.
Th 24-year-old, also known to many as the younger brother of Eden Hazard, had joined Chelsea back in 2012. But, unlike his elder brother, he failed to impress the management staff and ended up in their long list of loanees. However, he has improved into an effective player now and could be back to fulfil his potential.
West Ham are in desperate need of reinforcements in their attacking third, especially in the playmaker’s role. Following the departure of Dimitri Payet last winter, the Hammers have lacked any real threat from behind the forward’s position. Although Bilic brought in Robert Snodgrass immediately, he could offer little at the London Stadium.
Apart from Manuel Lanzini, no player emerged as an imminent threat for opponents and Hazard could be brilliant buy by all means. The La Louvière born player was Monchengladbach’s star player last term scoring 11 goals and assisting seven times in 33 appearances. He came to the fore during the side’s Champions League qualification rounds scoring thrice and assisting twice.
Although at 174cm, Hazard won’t provide the aerial assurances, he excels in creating chances. His ability to get the ball in dangerous positions is phenomenal. He was Monchengladbach’s third highest scorer last season and although he couldn’t help the side finish in the Europa League qualifying position, he played a significant part in their campaign.
There were also early reports of Everton and Arsenal competing for the player, which could be detrimental for West Ham’s chase. While Arsenal aren’t expected to be an option anymore, Everton have seemingly given up on him by getting in Davy Klaassen.
There were also reports of a buy-back clause that the Blues had on the player before Gladbach’s Sporting Director Max Eberl clarified there was no such thing.
