According to The Sun, West Ham United may have to prepare for life without Edimilson Fernandes this summer. The 23-year-old midfielder is closing in on a move to 1. FSV Mainz 05, after failing to make his mark in the London Stadium. The report claims that Mainz are ready to pay £8 million for the services of Edimilson as they look to bolster their midfield options.
Edimilson’s struggles at West Ham
Edimilson joined West Ham in a £5.7 million move from FC Sion in the summer of 2016. But, the Swiss international never really managed to make himself a regular fixture in the West Ham starting eleven. He mustered only 982 minutes of Premier League football during his debut campaign at the club.
That was followed by an equally disappointing 2017/18 season, where he made only 14 appearances – totalling 847 minutes of league football. As a result, he was shipped to Fiorentina in a season-long loan deal last summer.
And the 23-year-old duly impressed in the Serie A, having made 29 appearances in the recently concluded season. He built a formidable midfield partnership with the likes of Gerson and Jordan Veretout helping the Violas somehow survive the wrath of relegation.
Edimilson’s performances weren’t as extravagant as one would expect. But, he was reliable and ticked in all the boxes in what was a turbulent campaign for Fiorentina. The Swiss international averaged 1.2 tackles and almost one interception and key pass per game, which, though not impressive, is decent given how his club flirted with relegation for the most of the season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Should West Ham let go of Edimilson?
Despite a promising campaign with Fiorentina, West Ham should definitely cash in on Edimilson this summer. The Swiss international has struggled in the fast-paced nature of the English football and is unlikely to fit into Manuel Pellegrini’s plans for next season.
The Hammers are also keen to sign a quality midfielder this summer, and Edimilson’s departure will help them make way for new signings. It would also help them fund move for their transfer targets, which will surely be useful given how Barcelona rejected their £18 million bid for Andre Gomes.
The Portuguese international is believed to be identified as Pellegrini’s top target this summer. And the £8 million sale of Edimilson means that the Irons can now come up with a better offer as they look to compete with rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the pursuit of Gomes.
