Why West Ham should go all out to sign Andreas Samaris from Benfica
Back in May, Portuguese news outlet Record (h/t The Birmingham Mail) had claimed that West Ham and Wolves were interested in signing Benfica midfielder Andreas Samaris. However, no deal materialized and the midfielder extended his contract with Benfica until 2023.
Andreas Samaris, 30, has won four league titles during a successful five-year stint in Portugal so far. He previously played for Olympiacos and Panionios in his homeland.
Although he managed just 19 league appearances last season, the Greek was one of Benfica’s standout players since the turn of the year.
The 30-year-old enforcer has managed just five appearances across all competitions so far. With Samaris once again struggling for regular game time at Benfica, the January transfer window would be the right time for West Ham to reignite their interest in him.
West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini’s situation looked perilous after a 3-2 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, as that meant it was just two points in the last seven games.
A shock 1-0 victory over high-flying Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend should be enough to fill Pellegrini with confidence ahead of a trip to face Wolves.
The Hammers did make some exciting signings during the summer transfer window but they failed to address the biggest problem in the squad, which is the midfield. The sale of Pedro Obiang to Sassuolo in the summer has left Pellegrini with limited options in central midfield.
Declan Rice and Mark Noble have performed well this season but with Noble already on the wrong side of 30, Carlos Sanchez out of contract at the end of the season and Jack Wilshere yet to make a significant impact when fit, the Hammers manager needs to bring in reinforcements. And Samaris would be a good fit at the London Stadium.
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Calm and composed in possession, Samaris is a holding midfielder by trade but he can also operate as a central midfielder.
The Greece international is not only adept at breaking up the play and initiating attacks but he also contributes a lot with his work rate.
In the video below, one can get a glimpse of the 30-year-old’s interception skills and ability to spot a pass in the final third of the pitch.
An experienced player, Samaris would slot seamlessly alongside Rice at the heart of the West Ham midfield. His addition would also provide Pellegrini with the option to rotate Noble.
Verdict
Without any second thoughts, the Hammers should go all out to land the Benfica enforcer in January. Samaris could prove to be an inspired addition and help West Ham achieve a top-eight spot.