West Ham United are eager to process a return for Robert Snodgrass ahead of the following season. The 30-year-old is currently on loan to EFL Championship side, Aston Villa and has been a key figure in the Villa lineup this season.
Snodgrass is best suited to either the flanks or as an attacking midfielder. A lethal left-foot paired with an ability to create plays on his own, allows Snodgrass to take over the creative role while providing a lot of width to the team’s attack. He has played his entire career in Britain and came into the limelight during his days with Leeds United.
The transfer to West Ham United turned out to be a sour affair with the club’s co-owner David Sullivan coming out and criticising the former manager, Slaven Bilic’s tactic to buy older players, indirectly insulting Snodgrass’ talents. This did not sit well with the Scotland international who had reportedly cost the Hammers £10m. After a season of just 15 appearances, 2 assists and zero goals, he needed to find a different club to play for.
The Glasgow-born winger’s career was less than illustrious in the Premier League. He shifted around between Norwich, Hull City and West Ham only to make a return to the second division and flourish.
Snodgrass has appeared 26 times in the EFL Championship this season and currently holds the best assist record of 9 along with Luke Freeman, Barry Douglas and Ivan Cavaleiro. He is clearly enjoying his stint with the Villans and would not mind making the move permanent according to some reports.
David Moyes has noticed Snodgrass’ resurgence to top form and wanted to bring him back to London Stadium in January. However, Aston Villa were reluctant to let go of the 30-year-old after paying a hefty loan fee of £2m. While Moyes is happy to see Snodgrass finish his contract with the Villans, he would most definitely want the winger back in the squad ahead of the following campaign.
Steve Bruce will have to prioritize a replacement in order to survive a season in the Premier League. Here are a few players he can consider.
Connor Mahoney
He currently is out on loan to Barnsley and is under contract with Bournemouth. Mahoney has been capped for the England U17, U18 and U20 side on 3 occasions and has been pegged as one of the brightest prospects in the Cherries squad. However, his development has been restricted to just 2 FA Cup appearances under Eddie Howe.
James McClean
The West Brom winger has managed a rotational option under Alan Pardew this season. He was targeted by promotion rivals Derby County earlier.
Ben Marshall
He is also serving a loan spell with Millwall away from league leaders, Wolverhampton Wanderers due to a lack of game time. Bruce can bring him in as a good replacement for Snodgrass in case the player leaves for London.
