Why West Ham should make a move for Okay Yokuslu in January

Back in May, a report from Football.London had claimed that West Ham were interested in signing Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu. But a move didn’t happen and the Turkey international has since stayed put at Celta Vigo.

Okay Yokuslu, 25, moved to Celta Vigo from Trabzonspor last summer and enjoyed a solid debut season in the La Liga, managing two goals in 32 appearances. He played a crucial role in helping his club avoid relegation from La Liga.

The Turkish midfielder missed the start of this season with a knee injury but after recovering, he has played four times in the La Liga. With the 25-year-old having performed well in each of the games he has played so far, West Ham should reignite their interest in Yokuslu and make an attempt to sign him in January.

West Ham spent big this summer, breaking their transfer record to sign the prolific Sebastien Haller from Eintracht Frankfurt, while also landing Pablo Fornals. Despite boasting a really exciting squad outside of the top six, the Hammers have suffered an alarming dip in form of late.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side have lost three of their last five games, including a 4-0 EFL Cup walloping at Oxford and a 2-0 defeat to Everton. Questions continue to be asked of West Ham’s consistency and spirit following a poor run of results, which the players now have to end.

The east Londoners may have an exciting attack but they lack quality and depth in midfield. Skipper Mark Noble is ageing, while Jack Wilshere and Carlos Sanchez aren’t reliable due to their injury records. Declan Rice has held his own in the middle of the park, establishing himself as perhaps one of the first names on Pellegrini’s team sheet.

But Rice needs a reliable player beside him in the midfield, someone who can do the dirty work as well as help in the transition from defence to attack. In that case, signing Okay Yokuslu could be the solution to the Hammers’ midfield conundrum.

Yokuslu is a calm and composed operator in the middle of the park, a player who can pass the ball around well, whilst also possessing a good tackling ability. The 25-year-old lacks pace, but he makes up for it by working his socks off for the team.

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The Turkey international is primarily a holding midfielder who can make some well-timed challenges to help out his teammates at the back. He is also physically dominant, has a good engine in him and would be an instant upgrade on Sanchez.

Verdict

Pellegrini is a fantastic man-manager and should go for Yokuslu in January as the Chilean tactician can get the best out of the Celta Vigo man.