Why West Ham should make a move for Guillermo Maripan in January

Back in June, the Sun had claimed that West Ham had an opening £13.5milion bid rejected by Alaves for defender Guillermo Maripan. However, the Hammers later didn’t make an improved offer and the defender has since stayed put at Alaves.

Guillermo Maripan, 25, who joined Alaves from Chilean club Universidad Catolica two years ago, impressed during last year’s World Cup finals and was one of La Liga’s most consistent defenders last season. He has started the 2019/20 La Liga campaign very well, helping Alaves keep a clean sheet in the victory over Levante.

As far as West Ham are concerned, they haven’t enjoyed the start they would have liked to the new Premier League. A single point in two games is a modest return and Manuel Pellegrini will be worried about another slow start to the campaign.

The Hammers have conceded six goals in the opening two games, with five coming at home during the 5-0 drubbing by Manchester City. Pellegrini’s side have looked defensively woeful, with none of Issa Diop or Fabian Balbuena showing leadership skills at the back.

Diop, who enjoyed a promising debut campaign at the London Stadium, has surprisingly been suspect with his decision-making on and off the ball, while Angelo Ogbonna’s performance at Brighton should give the West Ham boss a lot of concern.

Pellegrini will want his team to challenge for the Europa slots next year and West Ham will have to tighten up at the back in order for that to happen. There is a lack of depth as far as the defence is concerned and as the Hammers cannot do any business until January, Pellegrini should rekindle his interest in Guillermo Maripan and bring him at the club.

Maripan has excelled with Alaves over the last two years, impressing with his strength and ball-playing ability. Despite standing 6ft 4in tall, the Chilean is quick through the ground and loves a good challenge, thanks to his anticipation of danger.

The 25-year-old has shown incredible calmness on the ball even when under pressure but without the ball, he impresses with his positioning.

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The Chile international has the physical attributes which would make him an ideal fit for the Premier League and West Ham will have a star in their defence if they manage to sign him in January 2020.

Verdict

Maripan has a €25m release clause in his contract which West Ham shouldn’t hesitate to trigger when the transfer window reopens.