West Ham United played a 1-1 draw with already-relegated Southampton over the weekend.
The Hammers must restructure this blunt squad after an atrocious season that has seen the club languish in the bottom half of the table despite harbouring hopes of a European slot.
West Ham have several areas in the squad that they need to reinforce, but the engine room is arguably the most important.
The East London club does not have a quality holding midfielder. Edson Alvarez usually fulfils that role but has made only 10 appearances under manager Graham Potter.
It appears the West Ham hierarchy are aware of the problem. According to Bayern insider Christian Falk, West Ham are interested in Bayern Munich midfielder Joao Palhinha, who is open to returning to the Premier League after a torrid time in Germany.
West Ham need someone who can block shots, crosses, and track runners. Palhinha fits the bill.
He was a key player for Fulham. His then-manager Marco Silva praised him, saying, “His attitude and his commitment, the way he leads the others around, are things that are hard to find in football.”
West Ham should target a younger defensive midfielder – View
West Ham need to be cautious. The Irons have been burned before by leaning too heavily on older, expensive signings – look at how the Niclas Fullkrug transfer backfired.
The Hammers must think younger, fresher, and longer-term.
West Ham should seriously consider looking at Chelsea pair Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu. A move for one of them would make far more sense.
Santos has not talked glowingly about staying at Chelsea after his successful Strasbourg loan, and the Blues are not clear on what they want to do with Ugochukwu, who has shown his potential with the Saints. West Ham should pounce.
Another exciting option would be Lucas Gourna-Douath from RB Salzburg. The 20-year-old has the tools to become a top-class defensive midfielder.
Palhinha is an experienced midfielder who fits the mould of what the club needs, but West Ham must be wise and invest in a younger option.