Jose Sa in action against Arsenal in the Europa League (Getty Images)
As per Estadio Deportivo (h/t The Shields Gazette), West ham are keen on signing Olympiacos’ goalkeeper Jose Sa in the summer but will face competition from Spanish side Real Betis.
Jose Sa, 27, came through the ranks of Palmeiras and Benfica’s youth ranks and joined FC Porto in 2016. In his two seasons with Porto, he won the Portuguese league and moved to Olympiacos in 2018. This season, he has been a regular member of the squad under Pedro Martins.
He has featured in every game so far and has been impressive for the Greek champions. His performances also earned him a call up to the national squad, although he hasn’t made his debut yet. He was also a part of the squad that won the inaugural UEFA Nations League.
Meanwhile, West Ham have endured a below-par campaign so far and are currently 16th in the league table. They have managed to lift themselves out of the bottom three but are level on points with relegation-threatened Bournemouth.
Both their defensive and offensive units have been equally poor but the inclusion of Jarrod Bowen last January has boosted the team’s spirit. The youngster has forced himself into Moyes’ starting XI and has been a breath of fresh air to the attacking unit.
But the defensive record has not improved, conceding 50 goals so far. They have also struggled in the goalkeeping department after Lukasz Fabianski missed the majority of the season due to injury. Deputy goalkeeper Roberto, who is currently on loan at Deportivo Alaves, struggled to make an impact for the Hammers. Darren Randolph, who is 32, was signed in January.
Therefore, Moyes should first and foremost bring reinforcements to the goalkeeping department and Olympiacos’ Jose Sa should be considered by the Londoners.
The 27-year-old has been in sensational form this season and has helped his side reach the top of the Super League 1 table with 18 clean sheets in 26 games, conceding just 9 goals so far, which is the best defensive record in the Greek top-flight.
Jose Sa put in one of his best performances against Arsenal in the Europa League recently and helped his team’s progress to the next round.
The Portuguese international is currently in the form of his life and his inclusion to the Hammers squad could be helpful. He has the potential to succeed.
The lack of quality in that area should prompt the Hammers to go into the summer transfer window for a shot-stopper. With Jose Sa’s presence, they would be benefitted and he can also bring healthy competition to the squad.
Therefore, West ham should go all out and sign the Portuguese international to strengthen their goalkeeping department ahead of the new season.
