Pablo Felipe is now expected to remain at West Ham United this summer, with Nuno Espírito Santo reportedly considering using the Brazilian in a different attacking role.
Pablo’s representatives have been working to secure him a move away from the London Stadium following a difficult first six months in England.
However, Irons Watch reports that no concrete offers have arrived for the 22-year-old and the expectation is now that he will stay with West Ham.
That could also lead to a change in how Nuno uses him.
Pablo Felipe could get new West Ham role
Rather than asking Pablo to operate as an out-and-out centre-forward, there is reportedly a growing feeling that Nuno could deploy him slightly deeper.
The Brazilian could instead operate as a supporting forward or advanced midfielder behind West Ham’s main striker.
That may suit some of the qualities he showed after arriving from Gil Vicente in January.
Pablo has struggled for goals, but his work rate, physical presence and willingness to combine with teammates have previously earned praise from Nuno. West Ham’s official website highlighted earlier this year that Nuno specifically wanted Pablo as part of his squad after his January arrival.
Moving him away from the responsibility of leading the line could allow those strengths to become more useful.
Taty Castellanos remains one of West Ham’s established striker options, while Nuno has continued assessing the shape of his attack throughout pre-season.
West Ham are also still reshaping the wider squad before the Championship campaign begins. ReadWestHam reported this week that Freddie Potts completed his permanent move to Club Brugge as another summer departure was confirmed.
Pablo could have followed several teammates through the exit door.
Instead, West Ham may now try to find a role that gets considerably more from their January investment.
