Slaven Bilic is eyeing a shock swoop for Sunderland defender Lamine Kone, as per various reports. The Hammers are apparently plotting a deal in the region of £15m in January.
This deal has many elements that would make it seem awkward for the Hammers. Firstly, Kone hasn’t been in the best of form this season, which is aptly reflected in Sunderland’s league run so far. They are in the relegation zone. Secondly, Kone has every possibility of leaving for a month owing to the Africa Cup of Nations early in the new year.
West Ham United could already be without Cheikhou Kouyaté, Diafra Sakho, Andre Ayew and Sofiane Feghouli as both Senegal and Ghana have qualified for the African Cup finals. Hence, Bilic willing to bring in Kone doesn’t seem to be a wise move at the moment.
Hammers will be without many first team players in the crucial weeks of January. They will be heavily under-starred in the games against Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, Manchester City, and Southampton.
Sunderland, however, have their own problems and it is highly unlikely that they will sell their defender to West Ham, who are just hovering above the relegation zone. Kone and Jermain Defoe were the main men to help Sunderland avoid relegation last season.
West Ham United’s defence has had a mixed season so far. While they have conceded two late goals against Spurs to throw away a one-goal lead to a defeat, they have also successfully held Manchester United to a 1-1 draw at Old Trafford. Nevertheless, Bilic is looking to make major changes in the squad by bringing in fresh recruitments.
Kone has appeared 11 times so far. He has won 11 tackles this season with a success rate of 58%. He has made 17 interceptions, 87 clearances, and five blocks. While his average passing accuracy is 67%, he wins 62% of average duels. Kone could be a great inclusion besides Winston Reid and Ogbonna in West Ham’s 3-man defence.
The Hammers have conceded 24 goals in 13 games so far and Bilic knows well that if the current form continues, they will surely cross the relegation border. The problem with Lamine Kone is definitely numerous. He was a defensive rock last season but this season has seen him faltering on many occasions. However, Bilic knows that correct nurturing might give him a world-class defender for just £15m.
Statistics: Squawka
