According to a recent report by Corriere dello Sport (subscription required), West Ham United are prepared to offer €12m to land Fiorentina midfield ace Erick Pulgar this summer. However, the same source has claimed that the Viola are likely to decline the Hammers’ move for their prized asset whose current contract at Florence runs out in the summer of 2023. It is understood that David Moyes’ team could face competition from Sevilla in pursuit of the talented midfielder (via Corriere dello Sport).
Pulgar’s Impressive Debut Season At Florence
The Chilean playmaker has enjoyed a brilliant season at the Stadio Artemio Franchi after producing a series of match-winning performances at the heart of Giuseppe Iachini’s midfield. He has banged in four goals and grabbed five assists in 29 appearances for the Florence-based outfit this term across multiple competitions which showcase his growing influence in the final third.
Pulgar has established himself as an all-round performer in the middle of the park as evidenced by his average of 2.4 tackles, 1.5 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 0.9 shots, 2.4 key passes and 1.8 crosses per 90 minutes in the Serie A this season. He has also completed 86.6% of his attempted passes in league football so far (stats via whoscored).
The ex-Bologna talent has secured 24 senior caps for the Chilean national side, registering one goal for his country in the process. If he can maintain his high standards in the upcoming campaign, then he will be a nailed-on starter for Chile in next year’s Copa America following the competition’s postponement as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Will The Chilean International Bring To The London Stadium?
Pulgar is a moderately-paced midfielder who is usually quick to read the danger which enables him to make some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances inside his own half. He can use his strength and stamina to provide adequate cover at the back. The South American sensation has the vision to play a decisive pass in the attacking third and is also a potent goal-threat from long range as he can pack a lot of venom with his shot attempts.
Even though Pulgar has been primarily used as a defensive midfielder, he is highly versatile and can fill in as a box to box midfielder or operate as a centre-back if required. His all-round effectiveness in midfield, coupled with his incredible versatility, make him an ideal signing for West Ham to consider before the start of the new campaign.
The 26-year-old will not only add more stability and variety to David Moyes’ midfield but also improve the overall depth of his squad at the London Stadium. Plus, he will offer some much-needed competition for Mark Noble, Carlos Sánchez and Jack Wilshere at East London next season. The Chilean could also serve as a perfect replacement for Declan Rice, who has been a subject of interest from Chelsea this summer.
All in all, Pulgar has what it takes to be a success story in English football as he can impact the game positively at both ends of the field. At 26, he is currently playing at his prime which West Ham could look to benefit from in the coming seasons.
