The West Ham board confirmed the arrival of Angelo Ogbonna from Juventus this afternoon, and our fourth signing of the summer might prove to be a catalyst for success.
With Tomkins, Reid and Collins in Adrian’s wall for the majority of last season, Big Sam utilised our defensive strength to great effect before the New Year came. So, when new boss, Slaven Bilic begun to plot the season ahead, he must have been chuffed that the foundations of a solid centre-back pairing were already well in place.
Not only that, but youngsters had begun to break through into the first team in the shape of Reece Burke and Reece Oxford. Doneil Henry equally impressed when fit, so Bilic justifiably turned his attentions to his midfield.
Clearly though, our new man in the dugout, along with Brady and the Davids, have discussed the need for strength in depth to tackle the balance of European adventure with domestic stability.
We are now in an extremely strong position with a month until the opening game. Cresswell, Tomkins and Reid have both recently renewed their contracts, the ginger Pele has expressed his desire to prove himself, and our academy is truly back for good. In addition to that, Carl Jenkinson is on the verge of joining for a second season on loan.
Angelo brings vital European experience to a pivotal season for the Irons and will bolster the squads domestic capabilities, having won the two previous Serie A titles with Juventus. Bilic will be hoping his arrival will also reduce the likelihood of weakness in the face of injuries; something that lead Cheikhou Kouyate to drop into defence last season. Though he was excellent cover, the move weakened our midfield, so Ogbonna will strengthen the squad, not only the defence.
Despite Angelo’s struggles to light up Turin, he has become another piece of the project our new signings are thrilled to be a part of. Bilic and the board are well on the way to tackle this campaign head on in a new exciting era for the club.
