In a recent report, journalists Dean Jones and Danny Rust stated that West Ham United have set their sights on Royal Antwerp midfielder Mandela Keita, who is currently playing on loan from OH Leuven. It has been mentioned that the Hammers are showing interest in recruiting the Belgian talent in the summer.
Keita’s Impressive Form In Belgian Football
Keita has put in a series of impressive displays at the heart of Antwerp’s midfield during this campaign. The Belgian midfield ace has made 30 appearances for his loan club this season, picking up three assists in multiple competitions.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a good run of form at the centre of the park based on his average of 2.4 tackles, 1.7 interceptions, 0.8 clearances, 0.6 shots, 0.6 key passes and 1.0 dribbles per 90 minutes in the Jupiler Pro League. He has even been tidy when distributing the ball from midfield after making 89.1% of his attempted passes in the Belgian top tier (stats via whoscored).
Keita is under contract at his parent club until the end of next season. Hence, West Ham could potentially land him on a cut-price deal this summer.
Is Keita A Decent Choice For West Ham United Boss David Moyes?
Keita is a solid tackler of the ball and can make some crucial interceptions for his team inside his half. He doesn’t mind clearing the danger when the opposition are on the offensive. The Belgian sensation can create the odd chance for his teammates and can make a few clever runs with the ball from midfield.
Keita has what it takes to inject more bite and steel into West Ham United boss David Moyes’ midfield department. He is good enough to challenge for a regular first-team spot at the East London club in the coming years.
At 21, Keita has got the potential to become a world-class player in his position someday. Thus, the Hammers would do well to get a deal done for him at the end of this campaign. However, only time will tell whether he can cope with the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football if West Ham manage to snap him up later this year.
