West Ham eye up permanent deal for Barca loanee Alex Song
Published:Handed the captain’s armband ahead of the victory over QPR, it could transpire that Alex Song’s stay at West Ham may last longer than his current one-year loan spell.
The Cameroon international has slotted perfectly into the starting XI in east London and looks a vital cog in a (currently) well-oiled Irons machine.
And with the Barcelona starting line-up looking impenetrable should the midfielder return to Catalunya, there is reason to believe an extended return to the capital could be on the cards.
Co-chairman David Gold added fuel to the fire by announcing that he would be looking into the possibility of bringing the former Arsenal man in on a permanent signing.
@ironviews @dhautzig Alex Song is an outstanding player and a great character I would love to sign him permanently. dg
— David Gold (@davidgold) October 6, 2014
The Spanish giants paid around £15m for him back in 2012, but with his contract running down and his place in the first team looking nonexistent, a cut down price could be on the cards.
Should West Ham agree a deal with Barcelona, there is little to suggest that Song himself would be against a move, and frankly there are unlikely to be any better options from England.
The ‘top four’ clubs are unlikely to make a move for him, while a move to Tottenham, for a former Gunner may not be the best idea.
But with regular football at the Boleyn Ground looking assured, the opportunity to enjoy his footballing prime as the focal point of a Hammers midfield could be too good to turn down for the 27-year-old.
He has certainly hit the ground running in the claret and blue, proving adept at putting himself about, providing good cover for the backline while showing the ability to pick out a good pass.
Having totted up 11 assists during his final season at the Emirates, it is obvious what a clear run in a squad could do for his confidence.
Giving him the captaincy against the Rs on Sunday will also go some way to buttering him up ahead of a potential permanent move, with the number 30 stating:
“I have been captain before at Arsenal but it was a privilege to wear the armband against QPR. I know Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble have been captains this season but without them, the manager had to choose someone and it was good he showed the trust in me. I just wanted to return that faith and thank him for that responsibility.”
Next up for Sam Allardyce’s side after the international break is a trip to Burnley, where the away side are priced up at 17/10 to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
The influence of Song in the middle of the park is sure to be key for the Upton Park outfit, and at a price of 7/4 for a top 10 finish, it could be wise to place faith in the side currently seventh in the table.
All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing
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