Omar Colley of UC Sampdoria in action during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and UC Sampdoria at Stadio Artemio Franchi on September 25, 2019 in Florence, Italy. (Getty Images)
Back in January, respected Italian football journalist Nicolo Schira had claimed that West Ham and Newcastle United scouts were in attendance to watch Omar Colley during the clash between AC Milan and Sampdoria.
The Gambian was especially superb in Sampdoria’s league match against AC Milan, where he kept Milan forwards Krzysztof Piatek and veteran star Zlatan Ibrahimovic quiet, registering a goalless draw at the San Siro.
Omar Colley, 27, moved to Sampdoria in the summer of 2018 from Belgian side Genk after two impressive seasons there. He has had a good season with Sampdoria, racking up 21 appearances in the Serie A. In his debut campaign at Sampdoria, the Gambian made 23 appearances across all competitions.
With Colley impressing in Serie A this term, West Ham must plot a summer swoop for the Sampdoria defender.
West Ham are currently 16th in the league table, fighting tooth and nail to avoid relegation from the top-flight. They have been defensively awful this season, leaking a whopping 50 goals in just 29 games. Their problems at the back have been exposed time and again, with none of the defenders performing consistently, barring Angelo Ogbonna.
Ogbonna has not found a reliable partner at the back, with Issa Diop and Fabian Balbuena underperforming this campaign. Winston Reid’s future remains uncertain, with him joining Sporting Kansas City on loan in January.
Regardless of what West Ham’s status is at the end of the season, the manager must prioritise reinforcing the backline. Thus, the Londoners must make a move for Omar Colley.
Colley made his name with Belgian club KRC Genk where he spent two seasons, racking up 54 appearances. Since arriving in Serie A two years ago, he has been a decent performer in Sampdoria’s backline.
The 13-cap Gambian international would strengthen West Ham’s defensive unit, whilst bringing depth to the squad as well. He has shown his ability to perform consistently for Sampdoria and would be a useful addition to the Hammers if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown in Serie A.
Being a left-footed defender, Colley would represent a potential long-term replacement for the ageing Ogbonna. At the age of 27, he is at the right age to test himself in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League and would certainly bring competition within David Moyes’ West Ham squad.
Colley’s displays in Serie A this season have been solid and the Hammers must do everything possible to secure his services in the summer.
