November 21, 2020, Vila-Real, Castellon, Spain: Mariano Diaz of Real Madrid during the La Liga Santander mach between Villarreal and Real Madrid at Estadio de la Ceramic on November 21, 2020 in Vila-real, Spain Vila-Real Spain - ZUMAa181 20201121_zaa_a181_061 Copyright: xMariaxJosexSegoviax
According to Daily Mail, West Ham are mulling over a move for Real Madrid outcast Mariano Diaz. The Hammers have been linked with a bevvy of forwards after the exit of Sebastien Haller to Ajax, leaving the side with Michail Antonio as the only striker. Diaz has been on the fringes at Real for a while now.
After struggling for over a year and a half, Sebastien Haller finally left West Ham for Ajax (h/t Sky Sports). Haller never really looked settled during his stay in London and even failed to oust Michail Antonio from the striker role. However, his exit makes it a bit problematic for David Moyes, who now has Antonio as the only recognised centre-forward in the side.
Having just one striker in the side is a sure-fire recipe for disaster, especially when you consider West Ham’s recent seasons and how they have struggled sometimes.
It is imperative that they reinvest the funds from Haller’s sale to bring in a replacement. Someone who can not only add depth to the attack but also challenge Antonio for the starting role in the side.
Putting things into context, West Ham making a renewed attempt to sign Mariano Diaz in January would offer David Moyes some quality cover in a key area of the pitch. The Spaniard has seen his career wasted away due to lack of game time at Madrid but remains a quality striker capable of delivering the goods at the highest level.
Mariano Diaz proved his pedigree as a striker at Lyon during the 2017-18 season and has always looked threatening whenever he has been afforded an opportunity at Madrid. Having trained with some of the best players in the world at the Bernabeu, Diaz would undoubtedly add a lot of depth and experience to West Ham’s forward ranks.
The 27-year-old still has his best years ahead of him and given his bit-part role in Madrid’s set-up, West Ham should definitely fancy their chances of snapping him up at a reasonable fee during this transfer window.