West Ham United still have a fight in their hands to avoid relegation this season but David Moyes has enough quality in the squad to keep them in the top flight beyond the summer. But it is evident that they need a few quality additions before the start of the next season, to compete for a place in Europe and this has seen the Hammers scout for some exciting stars recently.
They will also have to keep a close eye on players who might want to quit the club come the end of the campaign. But one player, who wants to stay back in London is Inter Milan loanee, Joao Mario.
Having joined West Ham United from Inter Milan on loan, in the January transfer window, Mario did not take too long to find a place in the first team and has already made six appearances for the Hammers this season. He has been influential in most games he has played for the side but has tasted victory just the once till date.
The Hammers only brought him to London on a six-month loan deal but have an option to buy him for £35m at the end of the season. But Mario has done enough to warrant a permanent move to the London Stadium and his latest comments have only thrown his future in more doubt.
The Portuguese international spent a season and a half at San Sir but managed just three goals in 47 appearances in Serie A, failing to establish himself in the first team. And he has now taken it to the media to claim that his stint in Italy is a ‘thing of the past’.
Speaking to the media, Mario said, “I’m in a new league and I’m trying to adapt quickly.”
“I’m happy with my new adventure and I hope to finish the season well. Inter are part of my past now. I could have played more, but football is about that too,” he added.
So should West Ham spend big on a permanent move for the former Sporting man?
With 31 appearances for the Portuguese national side to add to 150+ league outings in three different leagues in Europe, the 25-year old has established himself as one of the first names on the team sheet for his national side but he has not been able to settle into a system at the club level.
The Hammers needed a creative midfielder till the end of the season to cover for injuries and Mario has not done enough to keep his place in the side beyond the summer.
West Ham wanted Mario even in the summer but having seen his returns, they might want to look elsewhere for a more established player, who can suit their system better.
