According to Turkish news outlet Takvim, as cited by Sportwitness, West Ham United are looking to make a move for Shinji Kagawa. The former Manchester United midfielder is currently plying his trade for the Turkish Super Lig club Besiktas on loan from Borussia Dortmund. The Turkish side also reportedly wants to sign him in the summer transfer window on a permanent basis.
West Ham United’s midfield woes
The Hammers have been suffering throughout this season due to injury problems, with at least six key players sidelined. The list includes influential midfielders like Jack Wilshere, Andriy Yarmolenko and Carlos Sanchez. Manuel Lanzini was also in the list, but he has returned to the starting lineup after a long gap. All the injuries have been a significant detriment in Pellegrini making a statement in the Premier League this season as they suffered a disastrous start to their campaign.
Under the tutelage of the wily Chilean, the Hammers bounced back to dish out a number of splendid performances and are currently looking to finish the season on a respectable position in the league table. Pellegrini would be well aware of the fact that he needs reinforcements to build the squad on a solid foundation and the inclusion of the Japanese ace might be the first step in that direction.
Where Can Kagawa Fit In
A veteran of 407 matches, the 30-year-old midfielder has the experience of playing at the top level consistently. Though his stint at Manchester United was far from satisfactory, his time at Borussia Dortmund has been a fruitful one. Recently, however, the player seems to have been deemed surplus at the club, and they might let him leave on a free transfer in the next summer transfer window.
West Ham United could take advantage of this situation and bring the player back into the Premier League. They already have two top-class attacking midfielders in the form of Manuel Lanzini and Samir Nasri. However, it is still dubious whether the Hammers would offer Nasri a prolonged stay at the club at the end of this season while Lanzini has not looked in rhythm since his return from injury. This is where the Kagawa could come into the fray.
The 30-year-old has lost a yard or two of pace, but still possesses a keen eye for a good pass and can notch up a few crucial goals as well. He could easily come into the side as a backup attacking midfielder, and West Ham United should look to make a move for him next summer.
Conclusion
The Hammers need to add new players to their side ahead of the new season if they are to pose a challenge of finishing in the top eight. Pellegrini has already seen the influence of veteran and matured players like Mark Noble and Pablo Zabaleta on the squad and should be interested in adding more experience to his side in the form of Kagawa in the summer transfer window.
