3 Realistic Replacements For Payet If The Frenchman Decides To Leave West Ham

From a ridiculously cheap £15million conditional buyout clause to the top clubs ready to lure him away from the Hammers by all means, Dimitri Payet’s future with West Ham is anything but guaranteed.

As the doubts over his continued stay at the Olympic Stadium get stronger, preparing for life without the France international should of utmost importance to the London club, and these 3 realistic replacements could be perfect for them if Payet eventually leaves West Ham.

Depay

The 22-year-old Dutch is a forgotten man at the Old Trafford, last tasting action; a month ago against Feyenoord in the Europa League, and looks very open to a temporary or permanent exit come January.

Depay has only played 20 minutes of league football this term, and he isn’t looking like a player who will be able to force his way into the starting lineup anytime soon. But as far as the quality goes, the youngster remains a top one, and only needs regular football.

That can be offered at West Ham once Payet leaves, and Depay needs time away from his failed move from PSV at a club like this. He offers just about almost same things the veteran Frenchman offers.

Ability to take on defenders with ease and scoring direct freekicks have long been his prowesses before arriving England, and those were some of the reasons United went for his signature in the first place.

The playing time he needs to settle down to life in the EPL would be very much available under Bilic, and his chances of rediscovering the magic that once made him the toast of the top clubs at the Olympic Stadium are very high.

Chamberlain

The England international wants a national team recall, but it doesn’t look he would be getting one considering how he hasn’t been able to hold down a regular playing berth at the Emirates.

Despite 8 premier league starts and 7 appearances off the bench, the 23-year-old faces stiff competition from Alex Iwobi and Aaron Ramsey. At West Ham, with Payet gone, he can be more than assured of getting all the playing time in the world, hence an opportunity to fully grow and take a clearer shot at that Three Lions looking in.

His quality also means he can be of great help to the London club’s ambitions. Chamberlain has 2 goals and 4 assists in the league and has surpassed his former tally in what has been a great campaign for him.

The former Southampton winger has created 12 more chances and has been defensively involved – winning 55% of his tackles and averaging 1 defensive action per game. Payet hardly contributes defensively, and it is where Chamberlain makes a perfect replacement with his skills.

He has been spectacular this season no doubt, but he can do much better once given more chances. And that is very much available at West Ham.

Thomas Lemar

The Ligue 1 has the perfect replacement for Payet in Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, and a move to West Ham could be the one before the next big move for the 21-year-old versatile attacking midfielder.

The France youth international lit up the Champions League with 2 goals in the group stages and has 6 in the Ligue 1 already. He continues to near that national team call up, and would get a clearer opportunity to do so at the EPL.

Direct free-kicks are his expertise, and his ability to play on both wings and in more advanced roles makes him the big deal. Winning the battle for his signature won’t be the easiest of feats, but Lemar will definitely be a great addition to the West Ham squad if he is managed to be snatched.