According to a recent report by France Football, West Ham United are eager to secure the signature of Djibril Sidibé from AS Monaco during this ongoing summer transfer window. The same source has claimed that the Hammers will face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in pursuit of the French defender this summer.
Newcastle United are also in the running after starting talks over the possibility of signing the Ligue 1 full-back in this off-season (via RMC Sport). Thus, it won’t be easy for Manuel Pellegrini to bring the Monaco prospect to the London Stadium before the start of the new campaign.
The Rapid Rise Of Djibril Sidibe In French Football
Sidibe came through the youth ranks of ES Troyes AC before being promoted to play for the Troyes senior team back in 2011. LOSC Lille decided to recruit him in the summer of 2012. The French talent went on to make a total of 119 appearances for Lille, scoring 11 goals while grabbing seven assists across all competitions.
AS Monaco successfully lured the European rising star to the Stade Louis II in the summer transfer window of 2016. Sidibe has featured in 114 matches for the Ligue 1 outfit, registering six goals while creating 21 assists on all fronts.
The 2018 FIFA World Cup winner has added more assists to his game during his time at Monaco. On the defensive end, the 26-year-old made an average of 1.9 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game in the French top-flight last season (stats via whoscored).
What Will The French Defender Bring To The London Stadium?
Sidibe has decent pace in his locker and can make a few mazy runs from the full-back positions. The French prospect is versatile enough to feature in multiple positions across the pitch. He primarily operates as a right-back but is equally capable of filling in as a right-sided winger or play on the other side as a left-back.
He can also pass the ball accurately and is a good defender inside his own half. The ex-Lille defensive ace is not afraid to work his socks off. Sidibe is aerially dominant as he can rise above the opposition attackers to clear the ball for his team.
Recruiting Sidibe: Shrewd Move For The Hammers?
The acquisition of a quality full-back like Sidibe will undoubtedly bolster Pellegrini’s defensive options at the East London club. The Hammers currently have both Ryan Fredericks and Pablo Zabaleta fighting for the right-back berth at the London Stadium. However, Zabaleta is slowing down with each campaign as he is 34 and has just one year remaining on his West Ham contract. On the other hand, Fredericks is injury-prone and is still unproven at the highest level.
Hence, it could turn out to be a wise move for Pellegrini if he can find a way to win the race to sign Sidibe this summer.
