As Dimitri Payet’s incredible rise to stardom continues on account of his fine form at EURO 2016, so does Europe’s elite clubs interest in the superstar Frenchman.
Having enjoyed a fantastic first Premier League season – in which he was nominated for PFA Player of the Year and made the PFA Team of the Season – the West Ham midfielder has continued to demonstrate his ability further in France, having scored two goals in his country’s first two games of the European Championship.
The first will be a contender for the goal of the tournament – an injury time winner slammed into the top corner to secure a vital three points against Romania – while the second was another last minute solo effort to give France an hard fought 2-0 victory over resilient Albania.
The former Lille man stole the show on both occasions, displaying the silky skills, terrific touches and fine finishes that have made him a hero in east London over the past year.
Interest is beginning to step-up in the West Ham playmaker – with Chelsea allegedly leading the chase for his signature. Despite the Hammers insisting Payet is not for sale, a mega money offer for their talisman may be too much to turn down.
‘But how do you replace a player of that calibre?’ many Irons fans will be crying. Although it would be a big task, their are alternatives out there, so FootballFanCast have investigated FIVE potential replacements for Dimitri Payetdoes leave this summer…
Sofiane Feghouli
West Ham’s securement of the Valencia midfielder on a free transfer this week has gone completely under the radar amid the excitement of EURO 2016, but it certainly isn’t a transfer that should be snubbed.
A winger by trade, the Algerian has been a stand-out player for the La Liga club over the past few seasons, and was linked with a move to Chelsea as recently as January. He may have been free, but don’t be surprised if he raises eyebrows.
Roberto Pereyra
The Juventus and Argentina playmaker has fallen down the pecking order at his current club, and seems destined for a move away more than ever following the Turin giants’ signing of Miralem Pjanic.
Pereyra demonstrated his undoubted ability in a fine first season with The Old Lady in which he made a huge 52 appearances, scoring six goals while grabbing four assists. If he can get back to that kind of form and fitness – he’d be a terrific bargain buy for the Hammers.
James Rodriguez
While it may be an audacious move, the want away Colombian is a big transfer target for a number Premier League and European clubs having had a frustrating season at Real Madrid.
The star of the 2014 World Cup, Rodriguez remains one of Europe’s most highly rated young players, and is a potent attacking threat through the middle of the park.
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Mathieu Valbuena
How do you replace a French playmaker? Find another. And no, that wasn’t a terribly poor attempt at a joke, but a genuine solution to the Hammers’ problem.
Although not in the France squad, and having had his fair share of controversy over the past season, Valbuena is an exciting and skilful attacking midfielder who creates plenty of chances for those around him.
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Matt Ritchie
The name may not sound as sweet as James Rodriguez or Mathieu Valbuena, but the Scotsman’s ability should not be under-estimated.
His first season in the Premier League may not have been as dreamlike as Payet’s, but Richie nevertheless impressed with his brilliant technical ability and delivery of the ball. Having already had a bid rejected, the Hammer’s are set to swoop again for the Cherries star.
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