According to a recent report by Sky Sports News (via the Daily Express), West Ham United have been offered the opportunity to secure the signature of Florian Thauvin from Olympique Marseille during this summer transfer period. The same source has also claimed that the French club are asking for a fee around €40m plus Javier Hernandez for the former Newcastle United talent in this off-season.
The Recent Emergence Of Florian Thauvin
Thauvin has enjoyed a productive spell in French football over the past few years after failing to prove his worth at St. James’ Park during his time in the Premier League. The French wing wizard has scored 59 goals in three seasons of Ligue 1 football at the Orange Vélodrome.
The Orleans born prospect experienced one of the best seasons of his playing career in the last term when he put in numerous match-winning performances for the French giants across multiple competitions. The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner featured in 37 matches for Marseille in the previous campaign, scoring 18 goals while grabbing nine assists.
He has also earned ten international caps for France and has registered one goal for his nation thus far. The 26-year-old is currently playing at his prime which could benefit the Hammers if they agree to take up Marseille’s offer this summer.
What Will The French Sensation Add To Pellegrini’s Team?
Thauvin boasts incredible pace, which allows him to be an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet. He can make some dangerous, penetrative runs down the right flank and has added more end-product to his game after leaving Newcastle United. The French wing wizard can also distribute the ball accurately and is a potent goal-threat inside the opposition penalty area.
However, Thauvin failed to prove his worth in England when he was with Newcastle, so there is a concern over whether he would be able to cope with the physical toll of Premier League football. Even then, the Hammers should consider recruiting him this summer as the pros outweigh the cons.
No doubt losing Hernandez will be a significant loss for the East London outfit, but if they can bring in a quality winger like Thauvin, then it makes sense for Manuel Pellegrini to splash €40m on the French wide player this summer.
