West Ham enjoyed a brilliant last season, where they not only finished 7th on the table but also qualified for Europe. They showed everyone that they can mix with the big boys and even beat them. If Leicester hadn’t won the League last season, West Ham would have been the team everyone would be talking about. Under Bilic, they found a passionate coach, who knew how to bring the best out of the group of players he had at his disposal. Payet was the runaway winner for the signing of the season, after a prolific first season in England. Even players like Lanzini and Antonio contributed significantly when it mattered.
Next season, West Ham will move into the Olympic Stadium, a switch that will definitely raise their profile in world football. With the increased match day revenue and the new TV deal, West Ham will have enough resources to bring in the necessary reinforcements so that they can mount a challenge for the top four. Bilic is well aware of the fact that next will be the most competitive ever but he has a squad full of quality players who can easily outplay any of the team in the English top flight. West Ham have been recently linked with Juventus playmaker Roberto Pereyra. The Argentine international just made 16 appearances for The Old Lady last season indicating that he is only considered a bit-part player by manager Massimiliano Allegri.
With game time fairly less, the 25-year-old might want a change of scenery, given that he is about to his peak. Having to contend with extra matches next season given their participation in Europa League, Bilic will be looking to add depth to his squad. Pereyra will be the perfect player to add depth to the squad as well as quality.
The player has 10 international caps to his name, having made his debut for Argentina against Brazil in 2014. But he was left out of the Copa America squad by Tata Martino as a result of his injury-stricken campaign in Italy. He is a great threat in the final third with his precise passing and great dribbling ability. He is a great crosser of the ball, something Andy Caroll will relish. His ability to keep possession is a great asset for a team in the final third.
The versatile Argentinian is mostly deployed on the left-wing, but can treble up as a second striker or attacking midfielder. Now with Miralem Pjanic arriving this summer for £32m from Serie A rivals Roma, Pereyra may be deemed surplus to requirements in Turin and a move away seems highly likely. He will be a great utility player for Bilic to have if the manager decided to make the move. He will an able replacement for Payer as well as an option upfront on the left side.