Guided by the charismatic David Wagner, Huddersfield Town defied the odds to beat the drop in the Premier League last season but the Terriers are unlikely to survive relegation this term. Without the stewardship of Wagner and 13 points adrift of safety with just about the last quarter of the season remaining, the Terriers might as well start planning for a promotion push in the Championship next term.
Huddersfield might be forced to sell some of their stars if they are relegated at the end of the season. The likes of Aaron Mooy, Philip Billing and Christopher Schindler have been some of the shining lights in Huddersfield’s otherwise lacklustre campaign so far and the Terriers might find it difficult to keep hold of them come the end of the campaign.
Signed from German club 1860 Munich back in 2016 for a then club record fee, Christopher Schindler fired the Terriers into the Premier League with his all-important penalty in the Championship playoff finals against Reading. The centre-back then went on to play a pivotal role in Huddersfield’s first season in the Premier League, stringing together some consistently impressive displays at the heart of the defence to steer his team to safety.
Although Schindler has continued his good run of form this term as well, Huddersfield almost look set to be relegated. However, a player of his calibre certainly deserves a lot better. In all honesty, the former German youth international has shown enough promise to earn a move to a mid-table club in the Premier League.
Manuel Pellegrini brought in the likes of Fabian Balbuena and Issa Diop in the summer to add stability to the backline and both the centre-backs have done reasonably well in their first season in the Premier League. While Diop has been a standout figure at the heart of the defence, Balbuena has also proven his worth in a few games. However, Pellegrini has been forced to rely on Angelo Ogbonna since the Paraguayan’s injury.
West Ham have already shipped 40 goals in the Premier League this term, which is certainly on the higher side as compared to the teams above them in the standings.
Hence, it is quite clear that the Hammers need more investment at the back to push for a spot in Europe next season, and while right-back is certainly an area which is in need of investment, they should not hesitate to add another top-class centre-back to their squad as well. Someone like Winston Reid hasn’t played any part so far this season and the Hammers should get rid of deadwood to accommodate new players.
And Schindler, with his experience, physicality, composure, game-reading and tough-tackling will certainly be a good choice for West Ham. Not only will his presence increase competition for places at the back but it will also ensure that West Ham do not run out of options, with the Hammers expected to excel on all fronts.
That said, they should go all out to land the German defensive wall next summer in a bid to add more steel to their backline.