West Ham are in talks with Emirati side Al-Ain over a six-month loan deal for Brazilian outcast Felipe Anderson.
Having struggled for regular minutes in a loan spell at Porto, the West Ham winger was previously reported to be wanted by Serie A leaders AC Milan on a six-month loan deal. According to the Daily Mail, the Rossoneri had identified Anderson as an option to bolster their left-sided attacking options amid a torrid time in Portugal – but a new suitor has since emerged.
The Hammers offloaded Anderson to the Portuguese giants on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window but are considering recalling him amid a lack of opportunities at the Estadio Dragao.
According to Foot Mercato, Anderson could be set for a fresh start in the United Arab Emirates, with Al-Ain identifying Anderson as a top target.
FIFA and UEFA look set to relax rules stating that a player cannot feature for more than two clubs in one season, with Anderson having featured briefly for both Porto and his parent club.
Al-Ain reportedly prize Anderson for his attributes as a ‘hard-hitting and effective winger’ and his excellence in ‘1-on-1’ situations and appear to have scouted the player.
The 27-year-old ex-Lazio winger reportedly earns £85,000 per week at West Ham, representing a significant cost for an unused asset. Al-Ain would likely pick up a significant chunk of his wages were they to sign him.
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A move to Al-Ain could work out well for all parties.
Anderson should have no trouble excelling in a Middle Eastern league, with Al-Ain clearly in the market for a player of his calibre.
As a result, the Emirati club could offer up the funds to buy the player outright, with Anderson’s value likely increasing in the process, to West Ham’s benefit.
