Why West Ham should avoid a gamble on Cristiano Biraghi

According to The Athletic, West Ham have added Fiorentina left-back Cristiano Biraghi to their shortlist of potential defensive targets for the summer transfer window. As per the report, Hammers boss David Moyes has set his sights on bringing in some reinforcements at the back before the October deadline, with Biraghi emerging on the club’s radar.

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Cristiano Briraghi started his professional career with Inter Milan, where he made only a couple of appearances in European competitions before being transferred to Serie B club Cittadella. The versatile left-sided star had his first taste of football in the Serie A with Catania before returning to Inter Milan.

The 28-year-old subsequently spent time on loan at fellow top-flight club Chievo and also featured for Granada in La Liga before returning to his homeland with newly-promoted Serie A outfit Pescara in 2016. Biraghi joined Fiorentina on a permanent deal on the back of a successful loan spell, registering 75 appearances for La Viola.

The 8-cap Italy international spent the 2019-20 campaign on loan at his boyhood club Inter Milan, with Antonio Conte using him as his first-choice left wing-back during the first half of the season. Biraghi impressed with 2 goals and 6 assists in 20 Serie A appearances last term as the Nerazzurri finished runners-up to Juventus.

Biraghi would be a big gamble for West Ham

West Ham conceded as many as 62 goals en route to their 16th-place finish in the Premier League last term, which was one of the worst defensive records in the division. The Hammers endured a lacklustre start to the 2020-21 campaign with a 2-0 loss against Newcastle United on the opening day, with their defensive frailties once again exposed.

To that end, it is clear that West Ham need to bring in some upgrades at the back to avoid another relegation scare this season. 

The East Londoners have some gaping holes at right-back and centre-back, and while those two positions definitely necessitate immediate attention, the club’s pursuit of a new left-back doesn’t come as a surprise. Aaron Cresswell seems past his best while Arthur Masuaku’s tenure at the English capital has been less than impressive.

However, with two left-backs already competing for a place in the starting eleven, West Ham need to make sure that whoever comes through the door presents an instant upgrade on their existing options. And with all due respect to Cristian Biraghi, the Italy international doesn’t really fit the bill at the London Stadium.

Biraghi boasts an impressive 172 career appearances in the Italian top-flight for the likes of Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Pescara, Chievo, and Catania. However, it’s worth noting that he has been largely utilised as a left wing-back over the course of his journeyman career in his homeland.

Considering that Moyes hasn’t opted for a back-three system since taking charge of the club, West Ham’s reported interest in Biraghi doesn’t make a lot of sense. They need a specialist option in that department and it would be a big mistake to look at him as an upgrade on Cresswell, who has tonnes of experience as a left-back in English football.

Furthermore, the Hammers should look for some young and hungry players in the market to cater to their immediate as well as long-term requirement. Biraghi, 28, doesn’t fit the bill in that regard either, whilst his lack of previous experience in the Premier League only adds to the risk factor involved in a potential move.

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Verdict

West Ham have had more misses than hits in the transfer market over the past few years, something that hasn’t helped their cause in the Premier League. Cristiano Biraghi is a gamble that they simply can’t afford, considering the sorry state of their defence.

On the contrary, the Hammers would be better off looking at some tried and tested option in the Premier League or even try to unearth some young gems from the Championship.