Lakshay Khurana
Apparently, Paul Pogba isn’t the only French star that Manchester United are keen to add this year. Reports from France claim that Jose Mourinho is prepared to make a massive transfer bid to bring Dimitri Payet from West Ham United. Inter Milan and Real Madrid are also interested in the France international player.
Dimitri Payet has been a wanted player since the end of his debut season at West Ham and even more since his stunning performances during Euro 2016. There are claims that United are prepared to offer West Ham 50 million pounds to secure the Frenchman. West Ham have always claimed they won’t be tempted to sell Payet this summer, but there are serious doubts as to whether or not they could hold off a rich club like United.
Current Team: West Ham United
Positions: Attacking Midfielder, Winger
Age: 29
Height: 5’7
Nationality: France
Characteristics:
- Set-Piece Specialist
- Accurate Passer
- Good at crossing
- Dibbler
- Likes to play long balls
- Likes to shoot from distance
- Weak at aerial duels
- Weak concentration
Stats 2015/16 EPL
Total Appearances: 30
Minutes Played: 2573
Goals Scored: 9
Assists: 12
Yellow Cards: 3
Shots Per Game: 2.3
Pass Success Percentage: 80.2%
Aerials Won Per Game: 0.1
Given that the Frenchman is 29 years of age, he may not be the one to be in his best form for another five years, but he would still be a good signing for Manchester United. With Jose Mourinho now in charge of the first team, the Red Devils will be keen on challenging for the title next season.
The most important priority of United would be to finish the league in the top four at least, and Payet would be a good signing, even if it’s not a long term signing.
The French winger has proved himself in the Premier League, and he would be a good creative asset for the Red Devils next season. He has also displayed that he is glad to get stuck in and help defensively. United’s new boss likes his attacking players to assist defensively as well, and Payet is someone who would very casually carry out that task.
If Paul Pogba doesn’t end up at Old Trafford this summer, then Payet would be the next best signing to improve the attacking line-up. Very few players can match his creativity. Juan Mata is probably the only player who possesses that creative quality in Manchester United and he can finally have someone to partner up with at United. Manchester United don’t really have enough options at the wing if they are to win the title this year. Payet’s inclusion in the team will also result in more passing and ball possession in the opponent’s half, and also, tons of goal scoring chances.
