West Ham United fans had big expectations for the 2016-17 season and it won’t be at all premature to say that none of those big ambitions will get fulfilled this campaign. This was supposed to be the season for the Hammers to get themselves into the next step but things haven’t gone their way at all.
The East London club had every opportunity to announce themselves as a giant of English football by the end of this season. They moved to a bigger stadium, made a lot of summer signings and were on the back of a successful season but have faltered badly since the very start of the season.
After 11 game weeks, West Ham find themselves 17th in the table with just 11 points, just one point above the danger zone. They badly need some inspiration to make their way back from the position they are in right now and will definitely look for some of them once the transfer window reopens in January.
According to The Mirror, West Ham are considering a move for out of favour Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho in January but will face competition from Premier League holders Leicester City.
Sakho’s absence from the Liverpool first team since the start of the season is not due to any footballing reasons but his attitude problems. The Frenchman is not getting any kind of game time an Anfield following his dispute with the manager Jürgen Klopp and West Ham would be shrewd to use this situation to their advantage. Even though he is not playing, Sakho remains a brilliant defender and he can possibly be the solution to West Ham’s defensive problems.
The Hammers have conceded 20 goals in 11 Premier League games which is far from impressive. None among Winston Reid, Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins has been able to impress while young Reece Oxford has not played much. Since West Ham switched to back three with Cheikhou Kouyaté playing in central defence, their defensive concerns have eased to some extent but they still remain a vulnerable side at the back.
Sakho is a proven defender in both international football and in club football boasting plenty of top-level experience. The 26-year-old is one of those players who does not need an armband to motivate the side.
An inborn leader of men, Sakho can be the player Slaven Bilic is looking for to bolster his defensive ranks. A force in the air and a defender who has an eagle eye for a pass, Sakho would be a dream signing at the London Stadium.
The Frenchman has his reputation to recover and that will only benefit the Hammers. Sakho, who used to be a key player in Didier Deschamps’ France squad, will be all fired up to regain his position back in the France team. At West Ham, he will get guaranteed first-team football and they can also afford his wages. It will be a good deal for all parties.
