Sporting Lisbon midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia is being linked with a move to West Ham United. The Hammers fans have seen their team get off to a shaky start this season to say the least. The fans know that despite a change in manager, it is unlikely that things will change fast. Bilic getting the axe does not automatically solve the problems and in all fairness to Moyes, he needs more time.
Fortune has swung its way around the Hammers as West Ham United, after being winless in nine matches turned things around in grand style. A shocking 1-0 win over defending champions Chelsea followed by a gritty draw against another heavyweight side Arsenal and then a 3-0 hammering of Stoke City had made the Hammers hopeful again in the festive period.
A blimp of a result came in the 1-0 loss to Arsenal in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals and their 3-3 pulsating draw at Bournemouth was an opportunity missed occasion as Bournemouth got lucky with plenty of refereeing decisions. The New Year started off on a good note for the Hammers who beat West Brom 2-1 and drew 1-1 against Pochettino’s Spurs with the 0-0 draw in the FA Cup the only frustrating result this year so far.
The gloomy atmosphere around the new London stadium is a little less tentative now as Moyes attempts to find a new formula to bring his side back to a fighting place in the league. In his quest to help his team improve, it is being reported that the West Ham United board are ready to help their new manager bring in reinforcements that will help Moyes improve the team. It is in light of this information, that a transfer for Battaglia to West Ham has been reported. West Ham scouts were present to watch the midfielder in action against Benfica but the midfielder failed to impress.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been a vital cog in the Sporting team this season making 28 appearances. He has scored 2 goals and set up 1 assist but Battaglia’s nature of play is not truly reflected by goals and assists. The Argentine midfielder who can play as both an attacking and defensive midfielder is a player who likes to control the midfield for his team and can help his team retain control of the match as well. He is primarily a defensive player and alongside William Carvalho has formed a rock solid midfield axis for Sporting.
An arrival to the Premier League in a physically strong West Ham United side will suit his game well although making it to the first team immediately will be difficult for him given the plethora of options Hammers have in their defensive midfield position.
