The 2018 FIFA World Cup is not just another international tournament with the most number of eyes on Russia. Other than being the most exciting World Cup in over 26 years, it is also a proving ground for a lot of youngsters who have earned the recognition for club performances but not enough for his country.
One such player is Mexico’s Hirving Lozano who is currently lighting up the tournament with his outstanding performances from the wing positions. The 22-year-old cut inside from the left to score the only goal against Germany and secure all three points for his country in the very first match of their World Cup campaign.
He also set up Javier Hernandez in the 2-1 win over South Korea to help seal a place in the competition’s knockout stages. Lozano also scored 6 times in the qualifiers and is currently sitting on a potential multi-million pound move to the Premier League.
West Ham United and Arsenal have been scouting the winger for almost a year now. Arsene Wenger wanted to bring in the youngster as an Alexis Sanchez-replacement but eventually could not tie down a deal.
We are convinced of the Hammers’ scout reports and Manuel Pellegrini should definitely go all in for the prolific wingman. Lozano plies his trade for the Eredivisie outfit, PSV Eindhoven and has a contract set to run till the summer of 2023.
He ended the 2017/18 campaign with 19 goals and 11 assists in 34 appearances, helping his side to the league title over rivals, Ajax. The attacker finished 4th in the league scoring wise and 2nd in red card suspensions.
Lozano’s three-year stint at the Mexican league has greatly benefitted his footballing development, Prior to his move to Philips Stadium, the 22-year-old developed within the walls of Pachuca youth ranks.
He netted the ball 41 times on 140 occasions for the North American outfit and signed with PSV last summer. It might be the right time for him to consider the next step in his playing career.
West Ham are in desperate need of competent wingers and Lozano will almost be a guaranteed starter at the London Stadium. Pellegrini cannot solely depend on Marko Arnautovic to lead the club’s attack and Mark Noble to create plays from midfield.
There needs to be a pacey figure who will be able to stretch the floor but also capable enough to add to the scoring list. Lozano does not lack in any of those departments and brings more to the table in terms of effort and all over work ethic.
With the Felipe Anderson transfer still not tied down, the Hammers should consider Lozano as the near-perfect replacement.
