West Ham have been playing with one hand tied behind their back for the majority of the season.
Whilst it would take too much energy to delve into the blame game over who ratified the decision to sign Guido Rodríguez, it’s clear the player no longer wants to stay at the London Stadium.
The irony of the situation is that whilst the Argentinian midfielder has recognised he is not suited to the Premier League, West Ham’s victory against Newcastle demonstrated that he is also not suited to Julen Lopetegui’s tactics.
If the Spaniard’s tactics at St James’ Park demonstrated anything, it was that his system is far more effective with two ball-playing midfielders at its heart.
So, whilst some might wish to dwell on the mistake the club made in signing Rodríguez, the fact he wants to depart in January does offer an opportunity.
West Ham should waste little time cutting their losses on a player better suited to La Liga, reinvesting either in another ball-playing midfielder or using the funds to sign a striker.
My own preference would be to promote Lewis Orford to the senior squad and raise as much capital as possible to fund a major striker purchase.
