Paul Robinson has been deliberating over the prospect of West Ham acquiring reported target James Tarkowski for £15m this summer
The Lowdown: West Ham get busy in transfer market
As the 2021/22 season fast approaches, Irons fans up and down the country will be intrigued to see how West Ham go about improving upon their outstanding sixth-placed finish last term.
Already busy in the transfer market, the east Londoners have completed the signings of Craig Dawson (permanent) and Armstrong Oko-Flex respectively. However, perhaps their most high-profile documented pursuit has been that of Burnley skipper James Tarkowski.
Recent reports have suggested that his current employers may look to cash in on him this summer rather than lose his services for nothing in 2022 when his contract expires [Football Insider].
The Latest: Robinson evaluates pros and cons of Tarkowski situation
In light of these developments, Sky Sports pundit Robinson evaluated the positives and negatives of a potential switch in a recent interview with Football Insider, stating:
“Tarkowski is into the final year of his contract now and Burnley do not want to lose him on a free next season.
“There is one big question that the club need to ask though. Can they get the money they want for him now?
“They need to assess whether it is worth taking £15million or so from a West Ham for him. He could guarantee them Premier League safety next year and if that is to be the case perhaps it is worth keeping him for one more season and losing him on a free.
“The pros and cons need to be weighed up because he brings so much value to that side.”
The Verdict: West Ham are in a favourable position to acquire Tarkowski
This situation may well work in the Hammers’ favour either in the short- or long-term.
Tarkowski was outstanding for Burnley in 2020/21, making 39 appearances for the Clarets and scoring once [Transfermarkt], and Robinson rightly suggests that the Lancashire club will not fancy seeing the 28-year-old leave Turf Moor on a Bosman deal next year.
Mooted to prospectively be available for the quoted £15m fee in this transfer window, West Ham may be able to snap up an England international for a fraction of his true value. On the other hand, the Mancunian is unlikely to agree new terms with Sean Dyche’s club.
Should this come to pass, the Irons may be able to land a defender in the prime of his career in 2022 without paying a single penny. Looking ahead, it may be worth waiting 12 months should the east Londoners have the luxury to do so.
In other news, these West Ham fans react to a transfer update on a La Liga ace.