Julen Lopetegui looks to have sealed a tenth summer signing, as a Carlos Soler West Ham transfer fee has been agreed with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spanish international midfielder has travelled to London to complete his medical on deadline day, and looks certain to sign on the dotted line.
His arrival coincides with the imminent departure of James Ward-Prowse to Nottingham Forest.
Contents
Why do West Ham want Carlos Soler?
The Irons have undergone a Spanish revolution this summer, as new boss Lopetegui gets to grips with the West Ham squad and shapes it in his own image.
Lopetegui’s patient, possession-based approach is quite the departure from the old-school, physical stylings of David Moyes.
The outgoing Ward-Prowse is a good midfielder, but not the small-space, press-resistant and athletic presence that is required in a progressive system like Lopetegui’s.
Soler is just that. The PSG midfielder has spent two seasons as a trusted member of Luis Enrique’s squad, and prior to that, had played all his football for Valencia.
The 27-year-old ranks in the 75th percentile or higher for progressive passes, short passes completed, assists and carries into the final third. His arrival is a perfect symbol for the new West Ham.
Carlos Soler West Ham transfer fee: Is it a good deal?
West Ham will initially sign Soler on loan and cover his £78,000 per week wages.
With the Irons having already spent over £120m this summer, as well as an obligation to purchase Jean-Clair Todibo for £34m next summer, an initial loan is a sensible move.
However, the Irons have the opportunity to sign Soler for a bargain £16.8m next summer, thanks to an option inserted into the deal.
A fee that size is a snip for a player of Soler’s quality and experience in his prime years. If Soler makes an impact this campaign, there is no doubt that the club will exercise that option.
Where will Soler play for West Ham?
Lopetegui has lined West Ham up in a classic 4-3-3 in their first two Premier League fixtures.
New signing Guido Rodriguez has been the preferred midfield trio, with star man Lucas Paqueta and cult hero Tomas Soucek in more advanced roles at the base of midfield.
Rodriguez and Paqueta are likely nailed-on starters, but we expect Soler to compete with and eventually edge out Soucek as the right of the two more advanced players.
The Spaniard is a better technical fit for Lopetegui’s style, and his comfort wide on the right could also allow Mohamed Kudus more liberty to cut inside and cause chaos.
