Hector Herrera in action against Levante (Getty Images)
According to The Independent, West Ham are interested in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder Hector Herrera in the summer.
Herrera, 30, came through the ranks of CF Pachuca’s youth system in Mexico. After making 54 appearances for the club’s senior set-up, he moved to FC Porto in the summer of 2013. He went on to become an integral member of the Portuguese outfit.
He was instrumental in Porto’s 2017/18 title-winning campaign. After 245 appearances for the club, Atletico Madrid signed him on a free transfer last summer. He immediately became a key player under Diego Simeone and is one of the most experienced midfielders in the team. Thus, West Ham should make a move for him this summer.
The Hammers have struggled throughout the campaign in every department. Their failure at the start of the campaign saw Manuel Pellegrini lose his job. David Moyes’ second term in charge of the club got off to a good start but the results didn’t last long.
Moyes’ men have won just one of their last 8 league games and currently find themselves in 16th position in the league table. They have been inconsistent throughout the season. While the attacking unit has scored a paltry 35 goals, the defence has shipped in 50 goals.
With a lack of quality in almost every department, the manager has to make an overhaul of the squad to get better results next season.
One area where a change is necessary is the midfield department. Mark Noble and Declan Rice have been regular starters in the middle of the park. Former Gunners star Jack Wilshere has missed the majority of the campaign due to persistent injuries.
Carlos Sanchez has been frozen by the manager. However, they did buy Tomas Soucek on loan in January but there is no clarity about his stay at London Stadium beyond the summer. Thus, signing Herrera would help them bring balance to their midfield.
The Mexican international has made over 300 career appearances and his experience would be a massive boost to the squad. He has performed consistently over the past few years and could be a crucial player for the Hammers next season.
At 30, the former Porto man has a few more years left to play at the highest level. West Ham are in dire need of quality midfielders. Thus, signing Herrera would help them improve the depth in the squad and the Mexican could be a valuable addition to Moyes’ side.
