There is hardly any player who is not linked with West Ham United this transfer window. The sorry state of the Hammers’ Premier League campaign this season has further made things more speculative in January as they look like in dire need of reinforcements in all their departments.
While the high probability of Dimitri Payet’s departure has kept manager Slaven Bilic in a fix already, one cannot ignore the brittle defence West Ham United have this season. They have conceded 35 goals already with almost all sides exploiting their unorganised backline.
Although Bilic has got a huge boost with the return of defenders like James Collins, Recce Oxford and Sam Bryam, most of whom were out in the first half of the season, he still misses the services of Doneil Henry, who is out with a crucial ligament injury; Arthur Masuaku, who is absent with a knee injury and the experienced Alvaro Arbeloa with a leg injury.
Bilic seemed to have finally found a perfect balance at the backline in Ogbonna, Winston Reid and James Collins, which looked uncrackable against Palace last weekend. But, given how fragile they have been, iyou get the feeling things could become bad soon.
The only option is to increase the depth and given that West Ham are even willing to bring in old head Patrice Evra to London Stadium reflects how desperately they need backup. The Hammers are linked with a host of names and according to reports, their latest target is versatile Borussia Monchengladbach defender Julian Korb.
The German press have claimed that defender could be on his way out of the club after experiencing a difficult start to Bundesliga. The 24-year-old has 18 months left on his contract with Gladbach and their poor form this season could result in some of their better players leaving for pastures new.
Although West Ham haven’t initiated any enquiries about the player, they would face stiff competition from Southampton, who are also reported to be monitoring the hot prospect after Jose Fonte’s imminent departure would leave their defensive depth thin.
A side-back by nature, Korb has also played in the midfield and basically could be a great option to have on the flanks. While Aaron Cresswell has taken control of the left wing back comfortably for the Hammers, the shifting positions of Michail Antonio have left a huge gap in the right back role for West Ham.
Although Korb is a highly unproven prospect with occasional brilliance, he could definitely flourish in Premier League with regular game time. With young players like Hector Bellerin and Adama Traore emerging into prominence lately, Bilic could gamble on the player.
