West Ham United are now in advanced talks to sign free agent Guido Rodriguez, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The summer transfer window has well and truly come to life for Julen Lopetegui’s Hammers over the last few weeks and it seems as though the Hammers are doing everything in their power to bolster their ranks all over the pitch.
Guido may not be quite as exciting as some of the other names linked with a move to the London Stadium, but the 30-year-old has plenty of experience and would add some knowhow to the Irons’ ranks.
The former Real Betis man played a role in Argentina’s World Cup-winning campaign and has been a staple of the Spanish club’s midfield over the last few years.
🚨⚒️ West Ham are in advanced talks to sign Guido Rodríguez as free agent!Negotiations ongoing with player’s camp after he left Real Betis, as @VarskySports reported.Guido has several options but West Ham are working on it.↪️⛔️ Barça deal, collapsed since Xavi left. pic.twitter.com/7r5zaq8RRk
While some will question whether or not his age is an issue, it is important that West Ham strike a balance between young up-and-coming players with a blend of experienced heads as well.
The Argentine international doesn’t have to necessarily play week in and week out, particularly when Edson Alvarez is fit and available, but he will give the Hammers another defensive option that they have been crying out for.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers are understood to be keen on signing one exit-linked Liverpool star this summer
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A World Cup Winner Joins the Hammers Out of Nowhere?
West Ham have been trying to get four exciting transfers over the line and now a World Cup winner looks set to join out of nowhere.
West Ham’s transfer activity is like London buses right now.
You wait nearly four weeks for one and not two, not three, not four but five come along all at once.
The Hammers have been locked in talks to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from Man United.
West Ham have switched from Villa striker Jhon Duran to Dortmund’s Niclas Fullkrug – and potentially back again – this week.
The club has confirmed to Hammers News they are trying again for central defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
And reports claim Leeds United star Crysencio Summerville is on the verge of being unveiled as West Ham’s left-sided attacker signing.
As reported by Hammers News since before the start of the summer window, West Ham wanted eight signings as part of Julen Lopetegui’s rebuild.
Three are in the door with talks being held for four more signings.
That just leaves central midfield as the position which Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten want to strengthen.
Well in breaking news on Friday afternoon, it seems that player could arrive imminently.
With the eyes of the media and West Ham fans on the various deals being chased this week, the Hammers are reportedly close to bagging a quality free transfer.
The window has exploded as West Ham close in on a World Cup winner out of nowhere.
Rodriguez, 30, has just left Real Betis after four years and 173 appearances.
Rodriguez was expected to sign for Barcelona after helping Argentina to a second consecutive Copa America title.
But the move collapsed and now a host of outlets as well as Fabrizio Romano claim he is set to join West Ham instead.
“Guido Rodríguez, giving priority to West Ham proposal despite several calls and approaches in the recent weeks,” Romano said.
“West Ham are confident to get the deal done soon as verbal agreement is now close.”
🚨⚒️ Guido Rodríguez, giving priority to West Ham proposal despite several calls and approaches in the recent weeks.West Ham are confident to get the deal done soon as verbal agreement is now close. pic.twitter.com/w9PEPz4z5f
Rodriguez’s stats make for impressive reading and he will clearly provide a central midfield partner – and competition for – fellow South American midfield ace Edson Alvarez.
Indeed he may even find he starts the season in the heart of West Ham’s midfield given Alvarez is working his way back from a hamstring injury sustained at the Copa America.
Some reports claim Rodriguez could even sign for the Hammers this weekend.
The stats for Guido Rodriguez last season in La Liga. #WHUFC Coming to TheOther14? @Other14The pic.twitter.com/FEXhFwnxAP
What Can West Ham Expect From Guido Rodriguez?
What can West Ham expect from the former River Plate and Club America star?
He’s a dynamic defensive midfielder – much like Alvarez – who is known for his particularly robust style of play – again much like Alvarez.
Rodriguez boasts intelligent ball distribution but knows his place in the team – which is to shield the backline.
He specialised in breaking up attacks with well-timed tackles and interceptions and is known for his excellent positional awareness.
Rodríguez can play too, though, being described as adept at transitioning play from defence to attack – something that would undoubtedly have appealed to Lopetegui as he looks to implement a new style at West Ham.
Watch out if he does get forward, though, Hammers fans. Rodriguez is known for his powerful long-range shots and has an impressive goal reel as a result.
Physically, Rodriguez has all the attributes needed for the Premier League as well as great stamina – which is one key area he trumps Alvarez.
He covers large areas of the pitch without his performance levels dipping during matches.
West Ham would also be getting a natural leader – something many feel the team is lacking.
He is a big organiser in midfield and of the defence behind him. He also has great experience having won two Copas and the last World Cup with Argentina.
This looks like a very shrewd bit of business from the Hammers. Especially on a free transfer.
Rodriguez would undoubtedly have spoken to former West Ham star Pablo Fornals about the move having spent the last six months playing alongside one another.
And fan favourite Fornals would only have had good things to say.
