Why West Ham should plot an audacious January swoop for Joan Jordan

Back in June, a report in Sky Sports had claimed that West Ham United had launched a £13m bid for midfielder Joan Jordan, who was then playing for Eibar.

Jordan Jordan, 25, enjoyed two fine seasons with Eibar, having a hand in 18 league goals in his two campaigns at Ipurua. His consistent performances in the middle of the park had interested West Ham, but Sevilla agreed to meet his release clause and sign him from Eibar.

West Ham spent big on Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller in the summer as manager Manuel Pellegrini strengthened his attack following the departures of Andy Carroll, Marko Arnautovic and Lucas Perez. Expectations are high from the Hammers this season after a highly inconsistent last campaign.

However, Pellegrini’s West Ham have once again endured a slow start, picking up only a point from the first two games.

These two games highlighted why the Hammers chief made a big mistake by not reinforcing his midfield options over the summer. Jack Wilshere has looked out of depth thus far, while Mark Noble is past his prime.

Having let go of Pedro Obiang, it was very crucial for the east London outfit to sign his replacement knowing they are already short in numbers in midfield.

With Declan Rice the only reliable player out of the lot, the Hammers should splash big in the winter transfer window. And they must not hesitate to reignite their interest in Joan Jordan, even if he signed for Sevilla in June.

Jordan has progressed well in recent years, and he can only get better and develop even more in the coming years. He scored four goals and made as many assists for Eibar the last term and has hit the ground running for his new club Sevilla by scoring the winner against Granada on Friday.

Predominantly a central midfielder who can play the box-to-box role, the Spaniard can operate as an advanced midfielder or as one of the wide midfielders in a flat 4-4-2 formation.

He is composed in possession, a good passer of the ball and likes to drive his team forward from the midfield. The player also has a penchant of arriving late in the box to score goals.

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The former Espanyol man can pick a pass in the final third and also deliver pin-point set-pieces into the opposition box. Blessed with great technique and physical qualities, Jordan is a threat from long-range as well. All in all, he would be the perfect player to partner Rice in West Ham’s midfield.

Verdict

Keeping in mind his qualities and potential, West Ham must plot an audacious January swoop for Jordan.