Tiemoue Bakayoko in action for AS Monaco (Getty Images)
According to a report from Le10Sport (h/t The Sun), West Ham United are interested in signing Chelsea midfielder Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan for the 2020/21 campaign as David Moyes as midfield reinforcement.
The 25-year-old started out at the academy of Olympique de Paris, before spending time at the CA Paris and Montrouge FC youth setups. The midfielder then moved to Rennes youth team, where he progressed through the ranks and broke into the first-team in 2013. After 28 appearances, AS Monaco signed him in the summer of 2014, where he rose to prominence.
After helping Monaco to the Ligue 1 title in 2016/17, Chelsea signed him in 2017. However, he did not have the most successful spell with the Blues, even though he managed 43 appearances, in which he scored and assisted three goals apiece.
In 2018, the Frenchman was loaned out to AC Milan, where he impressed in his 42 appearances. Last summer saw Bakayoko move back to Monaco on a season-long loan. And the 25-year-old has done well upon his return to the club.
Given the current state of affairs at the London Stadium, West Ham United should strengthen the squad in the summer, irrespective of their league status. The central midfield department is one where the Hammers should look to strengthen ahead of next season.
Apart from Declan Rice and Mark Noble, to an extent, none of the midfielders has performed well for West Ham. Jack Wilshere’s injury problems are well-documented, whereas Carlos Sanchez is out of contract this summer.
Furthermore, with Noble not getting any younger and Rice heavily linked with an exit, adding another midfielder to the ranks would be the right move by West Ham, even if they make January signing Tomas Soucek’s transfer permanent in the summer. Having said that, Bakayoko would be an option worth considering for the Hammers.
The 25-year-old drew a lot of criticism in his debut season at Chelsea. But he did show glimpses of his quality during his year-long stint at the Stamford Bridge.
Bakayoko has regained his confidence since his loan spell at AC Milan, where he was one of their better performers. He missed only four matches across all competitions for the Rossoneri last term, highlighting his importance to the team. And the midfielder has carried on in the same vein of form at Monaco.
Bakayoko missed just four Ligue 1 matches since signing for Monaco, which were due to injuries and suspensions. He finished the curtailed season in France with a goal and two assists in 23 matches in all competitions.
Signing Bakayoko would improve the depth and quality in the central midfield department at West Ham United. The 25-year-old has been improving since his time at Chelsea and would help add depth at West Ham.
West Ham need more quality and depth in the midfield department that has underwhelmed this season. And adding Bakayoko on loan would help West Ham address that issue for next season. The 25-year-old has experience in the Premier League and has been performing better and better since his spell at Chelsea.
