Report: West Ham star in negotiations with 38-time league champions over marquee signing move
West Ham United may be on the verge of selling a player to one of football's biggest clubs.
The upcoming January transfer window will be crucial for West Ham and Julen Lopetegui—if he remains in charge at the London Stadium.
Reports suggest the Hammers’ board is willing to give Lopetegui more time to prove himself.
While I personally disagree with this decision, only time will reveal whether it’s the right call.
If Lopetegui is afforded the opportunity to strengthen his squad again in January, he must secure at least two top-quality signings.
However, offloading some underperforming players will be just as important.
Among the likely departures, one player, in particular, appears set to leave the Hammers this winter.
There are several players at the London Stadium who, in my view, simply aren’t up to standard.
Surprisingly, one of them was signed as recently as four months ago.
Guido Rodriguez is reportedly on the market this winter.
According to Soy Del Millio, the 30-year-old midfielder is in talks to join Argentine giants River Plate during the January window.
River Plate, one of South America’s most decorated clubs, has won the Argentine league an incredible 38 times.
Former Hammer Manuel Lanzini returned to River Plate in the summer of 2023, and Rodriguez now looks poised to follow suit.
Rodriguez’s time at West Ham has been hugely underwhelming.
He has struggled to adapt to the Premier League and lacks the physicality required to succeed in English football.
In hindsight, signing him was a poor decision.
However, if the Hammers manage to secure a decent fee for him, it could still prove to be good business.
Having joined West Ham on a free transfer in the summer, Rodriguez’s brief stint in East London already appears to be nearing its conclusion.
Moving him on in January would be the right decision, as it could free up resources for Lopetegui to bring in players better suited to the Premier League.
Selling him would also signal the club’s intent to make decisive changes and improve the squad heading into the second half of the season.
