Why Steven N’Zonzi would be a brilliant coup by West Ham
According to Football Insider (h/t Daily Star), West Ham are in advanced talks with Roma to sign Steven N’Zonzi ahead of the transfer deadline on Friday.
N’Zonzi, 31, came through the ranks of Paris Saint-Germain and Caen’s youth system. He made 195 appearances in England’s top division with Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, following which he switched to Sevilla in the summer of 2015. The player became an integral part of Unai Emery’s side which won the Europa League in 2015/16.
The Frenchman was also a part of the World Cup-winning squad in 2018. He then moved to Roma and after a year with the Italian side, he left on loan to Galatasaray, where he hasn’t featured since the 5-0 loss to French champions PSG.
Meanwhile, West Ham started brilliantly under David Moyes but have now fallen down close to the relegation zone after losses to Sheffield United and Leicester City in the Premier League. Their FA Cup hopes were also crushed by West Brom last weekend, where the Hammers lost 0-1.
With N’Zonzi’s situation deteriorating at Galatasaray, Moyes should make the best use of this opportunity and bring him back to England.
N’Zonzi’s experience from playing in Europe’s top-five leagues would benefit David Moyes, who only has one defensive midfielder at his disposal in Declan Rice. Carlos Sanchez hasn’t made it beyond 6 appearances from the bench in the Premier League.
The 31-year-old is a holding midfielder by trade but can also make an impact from other areas in the midfield.
The Frenchman’s addition to the squad would also allow the manager to provide some rest to Rice, who has featured regularly but hasn’t been quite convincing.
Verdict
Though the France international is 31, his experience would come in handy for the Hammers. Furthermore, his presence would add depth to a key position for Moyes as the race for survival in the Premier League heats up with every passing day.
Hence, if they manage to lure him to the London Stadium, West Ham would have a brilliant player in their ranks.
