Why West Ham should sign Miguel Layun from Villarreal next summer
Mexican World Cup star Miguel Layun was a subject of transfer speculation during the previous window, when Premier League clubs including Arsenal, were interested in him. The 30-year-old then left Porto to join Spanish club Villarreal on a three-year deal.
However, the defender has been one of the in-form players in Europe this season and English clubs should remain in close proximity. There is one team who would do well to sign the Mexican – West Ham United.
The Hammers have made a decent enough start to life under Manuel Pellegrini, especially after seeing them lose the first four league games of the campaign. Here’s why they should contemplate on signing Layun in January:
Hammers’ need for quality at right-back
Currently, the East London club have Pablo Zabaleta and Ryan Fredericks as options for the right-back slot. While the former is 33 years old and might not last long in terms of regular football, the latter is entitled to take time to settle into top-flight football after playing most of his career in the Championship.
Hence, it makes sense from West Ham’s viewpoint that they return to the market in search of a quality and experienced right-back. Miguel Layun could be an ideal player to target and sign. The Mexican was immense for his nation in Russia.
He is a versatile full-back who can play on the right or on the left without any dip in quality. The 30-year-old can also operate as a winger if the opportunity arises.
Talking about some of the attributes he possesses, Layun is a fantastic crosser of the ball and takes devilish set-pieces. If not as an orthodox right-back, he can play as a wing-back and be an attacking outlet for the Hammers.
In any case, Pellegrini prefers to play the game where full-backs/wing-backs move higher up the field on every given opportunity.
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In addition, he has enough pace to track back and help out the defence whenever necessary. All in all, the Mexican is a modern-day full-back/wing-back/winger and would be a great addition to the West Ham team.
What the Hammers need to do is make a bid for him during the summer transfer window and benefit from the qualities of this World Cup star.