West Ham United could be set to raid a Premier League rival for a defensive recruit…
What’s the word?
According to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook has suggested that the Hammers want to sign Wolves captain Conor Coady.
This builds upon the journalist’s first update, detailing on Twitter how there is a “growing expectation Conor Coady will leave #Wolves this month” due to concerns over his game-time.
With Everton also interested, it remains to be seen where the centre-back will be playing his football during the 2022/23 season.
He can be another Craig Dawson
Signing an experienced English defender could prove to be another masterstroke by David Moyes, who has made very few transfer missteps since his return to West Ham.
This prospective transfer has echoes of the acquisition of Craig Dawson from Watford, which looked an unassuming deal until his performances earned widespread acclaim.
Should West Ham sign Conor Coady?
Now a mainstay in the Hammers’ back line, the 32-year-old is a constant set-piece threat and a rock at the back. Coady could come in and has all the attributes to do exactly the same.
The 10-cap England international featured in every single one of Wolves’ Premier League games last season and was instrumental in leading that defence to conceding the fifth-fewest goals in the top flight. He also netted four goals in that campaign, which suggests that he would be another goal threat to add to Moyes’ set-piece arsenal.
One of Coady’s most prominent qualities is his leadership, with the centre-back being dubbed a “perfect leader” by journalist Tim Spiers.
Gareth Southgate was also full of praise for Coady’s off-field role during England’s Euro 2020 run, despite the 29-year-old having not featured once at the tournament.
Moyes could pull off another intelligent signing here by bringing in the exit-linked Englishman and giving him a run in the West Ham team.
Coady would bring goals, leadership and a willingness to put his body on the line, with these qualities suggesting that he would be a brilliant acquisition by the Scotsman. It could be a repeat of the clever coup of Dawson, if things go to plan.
