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West Ham should not hesitate to retain this on-loan 22-year-old ace as this would be an excellent long-term move

West Ham opinion: Why West Ham should keep Edimilson Fernandez

According to a report from Calcio Mercato, Fiorentina want to keep hold of Edimilson Fernandes beyond this summer but are unsure about the possibility of a move. Fernandes joined the Italian outfit on a season-long loan deal from West Ham at the start of the term and has been highly impressive.

The Hammers signed the Swiss international back in 2016 from Sion and he made 48 appearances for the club before making the switch to Florence in August last year.

West Ham should keep hold of the 22-year old beyond this summer and fend away any interest from his current side.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side has a solid midfield partnership of skipper Mark Noble and young sensation Declan Rice. The latter, who recently switched his international allegiance to England, has been the Hammers’ shining light this season and at just 20, has an incredible future ahead of him.

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However, the rest of West Ham’s midfield needs serious work in the summer with Carlos Sanchez and Mark Noble already well into their 30s. Jack Wilshere has been highly unreliable due to his injuries and Pedro Obiang has been inconsistent with his performances so far this season.

West Ham, thankfully, will not have to dig into the transfer market for a new midfielder with Edimilson Fernandes’ return in the summer being as good as a new signing.

The 22-year old has been highly impressive for the Gigliati since his move and has featured 24 times in the Serie A so far this season.

Fernandes has been used both as a number 6 and as a number 8 this season and has excelled in both roles without any noticeable difficulty. He has also directly contributed to 4 goals so far in his half, which came in the games where he started as a defensive midfielder.

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Fernandes’s ability on the ball is eye-catching and his long balls from a deeper position will be of massive help for West Ham’s lethal forwards. The Swiss international’s ability to break up play will ease Declan Rice’s job and provide much-needed steel to the Hammers’ backline.

Fernandes has averaged 1.3 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 1.1 clearances per game so far this season in the Serie A. The West Ham loanee also boasts of almost 85% passing accuracy whilst averaging 1.8 long balls per game for Fiorentina this campaign. (WhoScored)

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Conclusion

West Ham should not let Fiorentina keep hold of Edimilson Fernandes beyond the summer and should make it a priority to bring him back to the squad next season.

The 22-year old will massively improve under Pellegrini and provide much-needed assistance to the likes of Noble and Rice in the centre of the park.