Despite a poor start at West Ham, Sullivan could still sell underperforming player for a quick profit in January – opinion

West Ham fans were thrilled when the club secured Guido Rodriguez, known for his impressive performances with Real Betis, for the London Stadium.

Head coach Julen Lopetegui seems to have great confidence in the midfielder, making Rodriguez one of his few summer signings—possibly even the only one he chose independently of West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten.

Given this trust, it’s unsurprising that Rodriguez has started every Premier League game so far this season.

However, despite Lopetegui’s confidence, Rodriguez has been a weak link in the team, at least from my perspective. It’s clear to me that he’s struggling with the intensity of Premier League football.

This league requires high energy and adaptability, qualities Rodriguez doesn’t appear to exhibit, which hampers his effectiveness on the field.

The good news for West Ham is that they might still make an immediate profit on Rodriguez, even if his impact here is limited.

Though he’s not well-suited to the Premier League, his skill level makes him an appealing target for clubs in Spain, Italy, or France, where the pace of the game aligns better with his style.

Barcelona, for example, reportedly showed interest in him over the summer.

He would thrive in these leagues due to their generally slower, more methodical style of play, which would allow him to showcase his technical abilities more effectively.

Unfortunately, Rodriguez has struggled to keep up with the Premier League’s pace since joining.

While he’s had only limited time to adjust to a new environment, sometimes it’s immediately clear when a player might not fit.

This appears to be the case for Rodriguez, who has only had one notable half of play, against Tottenham in October.

Despite his difficulties, Lopetegui continues to start him, likely due to issues with other midfield options like Edson Alvarez, who has dealt with injuries and disciplinary challenges.

Nevertheless, it might be best for the Hammers to reevaluate their midfield lineup and consider bringing in a more dynamic option in January.

West Ham urgently needs more energy and agility in their midfield.

The lack of a player with the strength and ball-carrying skills of Youssouf Fofana or Amadou Onana feels like a significant oversight by Steidten and Lopetegui.

This omission has left the team lagging in modern football’s competitive landscape, especially after the departure of Declan Rice, who joined Arsenal in the summer of 2023.

Since losing Rice, West Ham’s midfield has been noticeably weaker, comprised mainly of aging, slower players who struggle to keep up with opponents.

Opponents are consistently bypassing our midfield without resistance, exposing a critical vulnerability.

The team also lacks the explosiveness necessary for effective transitions, making it hard to counterattack or recover after losing possession.

West Ham’s top priority for the January transfer window should be selling Rodriguez and bringing in a powerful, athletic central midfielder.

This would provide a much-needed upgrade and allow the team to stay competitive in the league.

A more robust midfield presence could transform West Ham’s ability to control the game and keep up with the relentless pace of Premier League play.

With a fresh injection of energy and athleticism, West Ham could rebuild a more formidable midfield unit and better handle the league’s demanding pace.