Cut-price defender emerges as ideal January reinforcement for West Ham

West Ham’s track record when it comes to bringing in players from Europe has hardly been impressive. Many still argue that the Premier League sits well above the likes of Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, and France’s Ligue 1 in terms of pace, strength, and intensity — and that foreign imports often struggle to make the physical step up demanded in England.

Jean-Clair Todibo is the latest example, arriving from OGC Nice with promise but still finding his feet. Before him, Nayef Aguerd made the move from Rennes with mixed success. Last season’s loanee Carlos Soler, on loan from PSG, never quite caught up to the tempo of English football, while Argentine midfielder Guido Rodríguez — some would say — is still “adjusting.”

So, when Spanish outlet fichajes.net reported that West Ham are eyeing another defender from La Liga ahead of the January window, scepticism was inevitable. Not over whether the story is true, but whether the player in question can adapt to the demands of the Premier League.

That player, apparently, is Óscar Mingueza, a 26-year-old centre-back currently playing in Spain. Reports suggest Nuno Espírito Santo has identified him as a key target to strengthen a shaky defence. The price? Around seven million quid, making him a very “Sullivan-friendly” option financially. According to fichajes.com:

“West Ham United, the most determined [to sign] Óscar Mingueza.

In the Premier League, West Ham United is going through a complicated moment in defence and considers that Oscar Mingueza would fit perfectly into their system. The coach of the London team has asked for urgent reinforcements to reinforce the back and the Galician is one of the best positioned names on his list.”

You can’t argue with the need for defensive reinforcements. Even if Mingueza isn’t an immediate starter, competition would help push Kilman and Todibo to maintain their levels. It will be interesting to see whether this one gathers momentum as January approaches.