According to a recent report by the Sun, West Ham United are hoping to acquire the signature of Antonio Valencia from Manchester United, but they will only make a move if Pablo Zabaleta decides to hang up his boots at the end of this campaign.
The same source has also mentioned that Valencia will be out of contract in the summer as the Red Devils have shown no indication of retaining his services beyond this season. Hence, the Hammers could potentially land him for free ahead of the new campaign.
The Ecuador international is one of the most experienced players in the Premier League at the moment and knows what it takes to win. The 33-year-old has won the title twice and the FA Cup once since making a switch to Old Trafford from Wigan Athletic back in 2009. It has been a remarkable feat from him to represent an elite club like Man United for nearly a decade without a drop in quality on the pitch.
Valencia is a tireless worker and has always left everything on the pitch whenever he lines up for the Mancunian giants. However, father time seems to be catching up to him as he is no longer a regular starter at the Theatre of Dreams. The 33-year-old has lost his place to Ashley Young and has not looked like he has enough in the tank to play in the Man United first-team consistently.
Hence, a move to the London Stadium could help the South American veteran end his career on a high under a top class manager like Manuel Pellegrini. Even though Valencia has lost his pace, he has still managed to transform his game to be more productive in the opposition half. The former Wigan star can deliver some dangerous crosses into the opposition penalty box from the wide areas and also packs a lot of power with his shots from range.
He will be a terrific short-term addition for West Ham as his experience and know-how to win big trophies could help the East London club challenge on all fronts next term. The potential acquisition of Valencia will undoubtedly bolster Pellegrini’s defensive options ahead of the new campaign and will also add more competition for places within the Hammers squad.
Hence, Pellegrini should do everything in his power to lure Valencia to the London Stadium next summer especially if Zabaleta decides to retire at the end of this season.
