Mario Gotze (Getty Images)
According to The Express, West Ham are interested in signing free agent Mario Gotze ahead of the new campaign to bolster their attack.
The report suggests that the Hammers have made an enquiry to sign the 28-year-old German international, who wasn’t handed a new deal with Borussia Dortmund when his contract came to an end last month.
Mario Gotze has been linked with a move to West Ham (Getty Images)
Born in Germany, Gotze flourished through the ranks of Dortmund’s youth system and won several trophies with the youth sides. He made his debut in the 2009/10 campaign and went on to establish himself as a key figure of the squad, helping his side lift two league titles and two German Cup titles.
His impressive performance also earned him a move to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2013. The following summer, Gotze’s winner against Argentina in the final helped Germany lift the World Cup. However, since then, his career hasn’t been among the bests.
The German’s career was hampered with injuries and he returned to Signal Iduna Park after three years with Bayern. In his final season with Dortmund, he managed to score 3 goals in 21 games across all competitions.
David Moyes managed to keep his side in the top flight but the Hammers have been inconsistent for the last two seasons. And it is clear that the Londoners are in dire need of reinforcements to their squad. However, making a move for Gotze doesn’t seem to be a wise decision.
In the attacking midfield role, the Hammers already have Pablo Fornals and Manuel Lanzini. Fornals failed to live up to the expectations with only 3 goals and 5 assist in 39 games across all competitions. But he is just 24 and still has a lot of room for development and could be a crucial player next season.
Lanzini also failed to impress, mainly due to injuries but he could be devastating on his day. Moreover, both Fornals and the Argentine have a few more years left on their contracts with the club. Thus, they should keep their eyes off Gotze.
The German seems to be far from his best and hasn’t been consistent in the last couple of seasons. Moreover, signing him would also make them waste their resources. He is already nearing the twilight of his career and wouldn’t be around in the future.
With Fornals and Lanzini available in the No.10 roles, it is unnecessary for the club to bring in another attacking midfielder. Thus, they should avoid any move for Gotze and instead, look to strengthen other key areas this summer.
