11 Oct 2020 12:55:49
Benrahma close to West Ham move according to reports. Deal close to £30m! Fairplay to him. Deserves opportunity in Prem. Just wonder whether we'd have been better with him rather than Traore? Only time will tell on that.
11 Oct 2020 15:40:37
I don't think Deano rates him that highly. We've been linked with Benrama for long time now, and it surely would have happened by now if DS really wanted him.
11 Oct 2020 16:33:02
I also wonder if the protracted negotiations with Brentford for Watkins has put us off a bit.
To be honest, if am not sure where we would find a space up front now. Barkley’s arrival in midfield pretty much leads to Grealish staying out left. With two/ three options available down the right, only back up vacancies to strengthen cover for Grealish and Watkins appear to be left.
12 Oct 2020 09:19:22
I'm absolutely gutted he we haven't got him - I don't rate Traore and King much at all, it was Benrahma for me all the way. Delighted to see him given the opportunity in the Prem.
I would also be absolutely delighted to be wrong about Traore :D.
12 Oct 2020 12:05:49
Traore, by all accounts, was a Lange pick.
He does offer versatility, having played centre foward a fair bit and achieving a 1 in 3 goal scoring record. However, I am not sure of his true merit either. Perhaps a review come Christmas?
12 Oct 2020 12:50:07
Give the kid a chance to settle 1st don't forget the French league was cancelled due to C.V., so therefore he may be a little behind regarding match fitness/ sharpness. I for one feel he's a good signing and played at a decent level.
12 Oct 2020 14:14:02
Oh yes, definitely give him a chance. Some players blossom when the time is right and maybe this is his time now.
12 Oct 2020 23:37:56
Trez for me all day.
12 Oct 2020 23:42:31
You guys are mad, traore looks amazing to med that goal he scored in the cup wow. And if your judging him against stoke he can't do it on his own that team was set up to play the reserves who lost on purpose because they are angry about not being 1st teams. Traore is top class.
14 Oct 2020 16:19:04
Benrahma largely plays off the left hand side. and cannot cover CF. At half the price, Traore better fills the gap in our squad for a genuine left-footed attacker. He’s just scored in both of his international appearances, and the flashes he’s shown in his league cameos suggest there’s a real talent there.
With Barkley taking the more central role some of us thought Jack might play. Jack looks set to mainly play left side and drifting in, which is where Benrahma would best fit. So I just don’t think there’s a role for him in our strongest 11. He’d provide excellent depth, and an upgrade on AEG. but £30m is a lot for a squad player.
King might offer better value if he could be signed for £15m, and he’s a more versatile option imo.
14 Oct 2020 21:11:23
I think you are right Ant, insofar as King fits our currents needs. I can’t see West Ham picking King up if Benrahma’s signature is secured. All recent reports suggest funds were tight at the Hammers, but moving Anderson out on loan might have eased things a little.
The other player I still wonder that might interest Smith is Buendia. If there is movement, probably with Lansbury moving to the Championship, I just wonder if an eleventh hour bid might be made for the Norwich man?