According to a recent report by Sport Bild (translated by The Daily Mail), Borussia Dortmund attacker Mario Gotze is expected to leave the club on a free transfer when his contract at Signal Iduna Park runs out at the end of this campaign. The same source has also mentioned the former Dortmund player Michael Rummenigge’s recent Sportbuzzer column, where he suggested that ‘category B’ sides like West Ham United or Everton should be potential destinations for the talented playmaker.
However, it is believed that Gotze’s current wages of €10m per year will be a stumbling block for the English clubs, which means that the player would have to take a significant pay-cut if he wants to seal a move to the Premier League in the off-season (via Sport Bild). Even though Rummenigge suggested various options, we are going to weigh up if Gotze fits in at West Ham United or not.
Gotze’s Fall To Mediocrity In Recent Seasons
The German sensation has endured another frustrating season at Dortmund as he has struggled to find a run of consistency with his performances under Lucien Favre’s stewardship. He has been involved in 19 matches for the Bundesliga outfit this term, registering three goals and one assist on all fronts which goes to highlight his struggles in the opposition half.
The 27-year-old has averaged 0.6 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.2 dribbles in every 90 minutes of league football this season (stats via whoscored). His stats have been quite poor, so maybe switching clubs this summer could help him kickstart his career in European football.
Gotze managed to lift the 2014 FIFA World Cup with Germany, and so he knows what it is like to taste success at the highest level. The Memmingen-born talent has represented the German national team in 63 international matches, scoring 17 goals for his country thus far.
What Will The German Playmaker Add To Moyes’ Team?
Gotze is a moderately paced attacking midfielder who plays as a centre-forward these days. When he is playing with confidence on the field, he can still make a few penetrative runs with the ball in and around the opposition penalty area. The German maestro can be quite accurate with his ball-distribution as well but has often lacked the cutting edge in the attacking third of the field which explains why he only has one assist to show for his efforts this season.
A high-profile switch to the English top-flight could be a risky move for Gotze at this stage of his playing career. He has been plagued by injuries in recent years which has derailed his career in Germany. One can argue whether he has what it takes to cope with the physicality and high intensity of English football if he decides to listen to Michael Rummenigge’s advice by sealing a move to West Ham this summer.
Is Gotze The Right Fit For The Hammers?
David Moyes can benefit from recruiting a talented attacker of Gotze’s experience as he will bolster his attacking options significantly at the London Stadium in the coming years. The likes of Sebastien Haller, Michail Antonio and Albian Ajeti have all struggled to find consistency in terms of goal-scoring this season. Therefore, they can use some help in the form of new arrivals this summer.
Gotze will not only add more quality to the Hammers frontline but will also increase competition for places within Moyes’ squad. He will also give the West Ham boss the freedom to be more experimental with his tactics, formations and team selection in the upcoming campaign. All in all, the former World Cup winner will be the right fit for the East London outfit as he has the potential to add another dimension to the Hammers attack.
