According to Claret and Hugh, West Ham United are set to return for the Chilean midfielder Gary Medel in the next transfer window. The player has been linked with a move to the London Stadium for a long time now, and he might finally be a part of Manuel Pellegrini’s side next summer.
The 31-year-old defender turned defensive midfielder currently plies his trade at Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig. The former Inter Milan player is known for his calm and composed appearance on the pitch and could come in handy for the Hammers both as a central defender and a defensive midfielder.
West Ham United have done well to overturn their disastrous start to the Premier League campaign. However, Pellegrini would be well aware of the fact that he has very limited resources at his disposal due to the injury worries to a number of key players. The injury list is long for the Hammers this season with as many as six players not being able to take the field, which has been a significant cause of concern for the veteran gaffer.
Although the former Premier League winner has done well to rotate his options and get the most out of them, Pellegrini would be well aware of the fact that he would need some reinforcements in the next summer transfer window. This is imperative to help the Hammers perform better and aim for a finish among the top eight clubs next season in the Premier League.
The West Ham defence has seen their mainstay Fabian Balbuena sidelined with a significant injury halfway through the season. Though the backup defender Angelo Ogbonna has done a fair job, he has looked shaky on a number of occasions, which has led his partner Issa Diop doing most of the cleanup job.
The addition of Medel, who has a lot of experience at the top level, would provide the West Ham backline with stability as well as a physical presence against the opposition attackers. Medel is well known for his perfectly timed tackles and interceptions to cleanly dispossess the opponents off the ball.
Besides, Pellegrini does not have any backup for the England international Declan Rice, who has been in phenomenal form this season. If the east London side can land the 31-year-old Chilean enforcer next summer, he could come into the team as the perfect backup for the young midfield ace as well.
So it can be said that Pellegrini’s pursuit of his compatriot midfielder is wholly justified. The former Manchester City gaffer is known to be a wily customer, and the possible inclusion of Medel in the next transfer window could well be a masterstroke from the Chilean gaffer in terms of strengthening the core of his side, both in the midfield as well as defence.
