Mykola Matviyenko (Getty Images)
According to the Express, West Ham United have entered the race to sign Shakhtar Donetsk star Mykola Matviyenko ahead of the new season.
The report suggests that the Ukrainian is rated at £20m. But the Hammers face competition as Premier League new boys Leeds United are also keen on securing Matviyenko’s services. It is claimed that West Ham boss David Moyes to keen to bring in a defender to bolster their backline. (h/t Express)
Born in Ukraine, Matviyenko flourished through the ranks of Shakhtar’s youth system. Early in his career, he was sent on loan spells to Karpaty and Vorskla to improve with regular game time. And since his return in December 2017, the centre-back has established himself as a key figure in the squad.
He was one of the key players in Shakhtar’s 2019/20 title-winning campaign and also helped the Ukrainian outfit reach the semifinals of the Europa League. He has already won three league titles and four Ukrainian Cup titles with the club. Matviyenko is also capped 26 times by his country since making his debut for Ukraine in March 2017.
Moyes’ men endured another disappointing campaign in the league as they managed to secure their top-flight status with just two games remaining. The Hammers have been inconsistent and one key area where the manager should focus on strengthening in the backline, which conceded 62 goals in 38 games.
At the moment, only four centre-backs are available at the manager’s disposal. Issa Diop hasn’t been at his best but he is capable of doing well. He is just 23 and has a lot of room for development. However, Angelo Ogbonna is already 32 and reaching the back end of his career. The Hammers need to bring in a replacement for him.
Fabian Balbuena and Goncalo Cardoso are the only two other centre-backs available. Balbuena has just one year left on his contract and Cardoso is inexperienced and cannot be depended upon throughout the campaign. Thus, a centre-back is a must this summer.
In that regard, signing Matviyenko seems to be a sensible move. The Ukrainian has been in sensational form this season, playing a key role in the heart of Shakhtar’s defence. He can be crucial for the Hammers in the upcoming campaigns and would be the ideal replacement for the ageing Ogbonna.
His inclusion would add depth to Moyes’ squad, whilst also bringing in healthy competition for the spot. He has already shown great pedigree and can further grow into a Premier League article under the guidance of someone like Moyes.
With Ogbonna ageing and limited quality at the back, the Hammers are in dire need of a new centre-back. And Matviyenko would provide them with a long-term option. At 24, he has a lot to offer at a higher level and can be a future leader in West Ham’s defence with experience. Thus, they should attempt to land him in East London this summer.
