The January transfer window has been discernibly slow across the park but West Ham United are picking up steam as David Moyes looks to combat a poor start to 2024.
Earlier this week, an exciting loan deal (with an option to buy) was struck with last season’s treble-winning Manchester City for centre-midfielder Kalvin Phillips, while chatter has risen since regarding deals for wingers such as FC Nordsjaelland winger Ibrahim Osman and Portuguese ace Jota, seeking an exit from Al-Ittihad.
Although Phillips can bring poise to the midfield and exert control over games with his technical skill and perseverance, Moyes seems to be looking to add more players and has turned his focus to the German Bundesliga in an attempt to find the ideal addition to cap off an exciting January transfer window for the team.
January goals for West Ham
It is unclear at this point whether West Ham will be successful in securing a new winger, but regardless of this endeavor, it would be prudent to show interest in Florian Neuhaus, a midfielder for Borussia Monchengladbach who may move to England this month.
The German star is reportedly looking to leave his team after growing disenchanted with head coach Gerardo Seoane, according to SPORT BILD.
Although there have been shaky connections throughout Europe, it is believed that there is serious interest in the Premier League, and the Hammers will compete with Aston Villa for his talents this month, with a loan transfer being the most likely outcome.
Why Florian Neuhaus is wanted by West Ham
Talent scout Jacek Kulig once praised Neuhaus, then 26 years old, as a “complete” midfielder who will be a “top-class player for many years to come.” Since joining Gladbach from 1860 Munich in 2017, Neuhaus has made 190 appearances, scoring 25 goals, and providing 26 assists.
Neuhaus, who is adept at gliding and has a keen sense of space, like to operate in the middle of the court and let the action unfold in front of him. He then seizes the opportunity to go into open space, grasp onto passes, and finish strong.
He has only made seven starts in the Bundesliga this year, but he has three goals to show for his efforts and two assists in the DFB Pokal. He would also give West Ham’s team a new dynamic by providing another offensive option from the middle of the park.
According to FBref, Neuhaus is in the top 5 percentile among midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals scored and shots attempted, in the top 19% for actions that resulted in shoots, in the top 12% for touches within the attacking box, and in the top 24% for progressive carries per ninety.
Both Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paqueta have sustained injuries this month; the latter’s setback could result in several months away from the game.
After playing for the Foals for a long time, Neuhaus might need a change of scenery to find his best footballing form. At West Ham, the £66k-per-week star could have what it takes to close out the season strong, especially considering that he’s been compared to Barcelona sensation Frenkie de Jong.
How Florian Neuhaus compares to Frenkie de Jong Neuhaus, it would appear, needs to make a move this month. The ten-cap international is said to offer exceptional close control and high-class distribution, much like De Jong, so Moyes’ team may find it worthwhile, especially considering his defensive aggression.
Considered a “generational genius” by writer Muhammad Butt, De Jong is one of the best passers of his generation, ranking in the top 1% of midfielders for passes attempted and progressive passes per 90.
The Dutchman, who joined Barcelona for £65 million in 2019 after leaving his childhood team Ajax, does in fact combine deft defensive play with a captivating technique. This season, he has won 59% of his duels in La Liga and averages 2.3 tackles per game.
The 26-year-old is an excellent operator in the middle of the field and is vital to the development of many an attacking sequence, but he doesn’t have the same level of direct attacking ability as the 5 foot 11 Neuhaus, netting only 16 goals in 202 appearances for La Blaugrana.
Although De Jong has not played in the Premier League, Manchester United and Barcelona fought hard for him back in 2022. They even came to an agreement on a fee of €85 million (£70 million), but the move was derailed because of issues with the players’ salaries and their unwillingness to move to Old Trafford.
However, Neuhaus is one of the best midfielders in the game, and if West Ham were to sign him—the sporting director of Gladbach has called his rise there “incredible”—Moyes could have the piece that guarantees his United team will continue this incredible chapter in the club’s history. Neuhaus is a player of similar caliber.
Under Moyes’ direction, West Ham has experienced tremendous success over the last few years. Securing a move for a player like Neuhaus may be the ideal method to solidify the midfield’s strength in a counterbalancing trade with Phillips.
Paqueta is unlikely to play on the grass again anytime soon, and Neuhaus has the potential to be the resourceful player who ignites the east London team’s success over the next few months, when silverware and continental qualification are very much within reach.
