West Ham United are not willing to offer a new contract to their Welsh centre-back, James Collins. According to recent reports, the Hammers have informed the veteran Premier League defender that they will not be extending his stay at the London Stadium. The 34-year-old’s current contract with the East London club is set to run out next month when he will become a free agent.
The Welsh defender has played in over 200 matches for the Hammers during his two spells at the club. Collins joined West Ham in the summer of 2005 before being shipped out t0 Aston Villa in 2008. He made a return to East London, four years later, in the summer of 2012. The 34-year-old has been a loyal servant of the club and has put in some solid defensive performances for them during the course of his career. He had made 13 appearances in the Premier League this season and also has one goal to his name.
However, with Collins currently in the twilight of his football career, West Ham are now set to release him next month. Only time will tell whether their decision to not offer him a contract extension turns out to be the correct call.
The Hammers managed to secure a 13th placed in the English top-flight this season with a total tally of 42 points in 38 league matches. They have recently parted ways with David Moyes and are on the lookout for a new manager. Recent sources have also suggested that the club’s new manager will decide whether to offer Collins a new contract and have a final say on his future with the club.
Retaining some of their top talents could help West Ham succeed in the Premier League in the next campaign. However, Collins is currently a shadow of his former self which is why the Hammers are in a dilemma of whether to offer him a contract extension. The 34-year-old has a wealth of experience in English football and will be a terrific squad player for most sides in the top tier of English football. Hence, the club should carefully weigh up their options before deciding on his future.
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West Ham have the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Angelo Ogbonna, Declan Rice and Winston Reid competing for a place in their first-team. The departure of Collins will undoubtedly deplete their squad ahead of the new season. It remains to be seen what lies ahead in the future of Collins and whether he ends up being released by the Hammers next month.
