In a recent print edition, O Jogo mentioned that West Ham United are keeping an eye on Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe. It has been claimed that the Hammers are eyeing a move to acquire the services of the Colombia international.
Uribe’s Impressive Form At The Estádio do Dragão This Season
The 32-year-old is having a solid campaign in Portuguese football after he put in a string of impressive performances at the heart of Porto’s midfield. Uribe has featured in 43 matches for the Portuguese outfit this season, finding the back of the net five times and picking up one assist in the process across all competitions.
The 45-time Colombia international has been a reliable performer at the centre of the park as he is averaging 2.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, 1.2 clearances, 0.9 shots and 0.7 key passes per 90 minutes in Liga Portugal. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after making 84.9% of his attempted passes in the Portuguese top-flight (stats via whoscored).
The Medellin-born talent is under contract at the Portuguese club until the summer of 2023. Thus, it is only logical for West Ham to try to sign him on a free transfer at the end of this season.
Should West Ham United Boss David Moyes Snap Uribe Up This Summer?
Uribe is a good tackler of the ball and can time his challenges well to secure the ball back for his side at the centre of the park. He doesn’t mind putting his foot through the ball when required and can strike the ball well from long range. The Colombian sensation can also engineer some promising chances for others around him in the opponent’s half. He has got a wealth of experience at the highest level.
Therefore, West Ham head coach David Moyes would be wise to snap Uribe up during the summer transfer window. He will add more bite and steel to the Hammers‘ midfield and help them push for a European spot in the Premier League next season.
At 32, Uribe has still got a few good years left in his locker and could prove to be a decent, short-term acquisition for the East London club in the off-season.
