Daily Star are reporting that West Ham United have identified Moussa Wagué as a potential target this summer as the Hammers want to strengthen their side. It would be for Barcelona to consider whether they would allow the right-back to leave amid this interest from the Premier League club. Setién has a tough decision to make and let us take a look at what should the gaffer do in this situation.
Moussa Wagué and his loan spell
Sergi Roberto has always been a versatile player and he has occasionally been given the role of playing in midfield for Barca. Nelson Semedo was entrusted with the right-back position when Roberto played in a more advanced role. That hardly bore any result, and the manager apparently realised the need to rectify it.
This term the gaffer switched to a more positional play. Roberto was once again brought back into his preferred right-back role, and Semedo was demoted to the substitute bench. That hardly left any room for a third right-back option as either of them were capable of being in the first team.
That reduced the need of Wagué in the squad, and he was sent on loan to Nice in the January transfer window. As unfortunate as it may seem, his time at the French club was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic as the authorities decided to conclude the season early.
The Senegalese made only five appearances in the league for Nice and provided one assist, which ultimately ensured a spot for the French club in the Europa League. At 21, the talented defender needs to play regular football, and this has not happened this season. Overall, the starlet has been on the field for just 379 minutes, which included two Champions League matches for the Catalans. A transfer to West Ham United may finally give him the chance to showcase his talent regularly.
What should Setién do?
While Roberto has made the right-back position his own, there are doubts over the future of Semedo. With Nice deciding not to continue with the player anymore, Wagué is set to become a Cule once again next season. At this moment, with the future of Semedo on jeopardy, it may not be the best time for the manager to say yes to West Ham United.
Wagué has been in the Barcelona setup for a long time and knows the philosophy of the club inside out. His impressive performances for the reserve side ensured his transition into the senior team and considering this; it could be said that if the need arises, the African could be asked to step up.
However, the player must ensure that he gets to play on a regular basis in the first team, as otherwise, his stay at the club would be futile. If he is not promised proper game time, a call from the Premier League might be too lucrative for him to give up on.
