West Ham United spent £22million to bring Arne Engels to east London, but Mohamadou Kanté may already have complicated the obvious route into Nuno Espírito Santo’s starting XI.
Engels completed his move from Celtic before West Ham’s Championship opener, signing a five-year contract with the option of another season. The Belgium international was not registered in time for Burnley, leaving Lewis Orford and Kanté to start in central midfield at Turf Moor.
What happened next makes Nuno’s first Engels selection particularly interesting.
Kanté produced one of West Ham’s biggest attacking contributions of the afternoon, driving forward before delivering the cross for Manor Solomon to make it 2-0. Burnley eventually recovered to draw 2-2, but the 20-year-old had still provided another reminder that his breakthrough is gathering momentum.
Arne Engels gives West Ham a £22m selection problem
West Ham have not invested an EFL-record £22m in Engels to leave him watching from the bench indefinitely.
The 22-year-old arrives after 100 appearances for Celtic, producing 17 goals and 22 assists during his time in Glasgow. He can contribute further forward, take responsibility in possession and provide the midfield quality West Ham identified as a priority during the summer.
ReadWestHam first reported West Ham’s interest in Engels as part of Nils Koppen’s Celtic shortlist in July.
The interesting question is no longer whether Engels improves Nuno’s midfield. He clearly does.
It is who moves aside.
Kanté and Orford were trusted from the start against Burnley, while James Ward-Prowse was introduced at half-time. Tomáš Souček’s availability will create another decision once West Ham’s senior midfield options begin to return.
Nuno therefore has genuine competition rather than an obvious vacancy.
Mohamadou Kanté has strengthened his West Ham claim
Kanté’s involvement should not come as a surprise.
The midfielder was among the leading academy candidates identified in ReadWestHam’s seven young players ready to step up after impressing during Nuno’s pre-season assessment.
He also showed encouraging aggression and mobility against Stevenage before being given another demanding examination at Rangers.
There were difficult moments during pre-season. ReadWestHam’s analysis of the Rangers draw highlighted West Ham’s problems progressing possession when Kanté and Keiber Lamadrid were pressed.
Burnley offered evidence of development.
Kanté did not dominate the match, and West Ham’s midfield struggled as the home side increased the pressure late on. However, his willingness to carry the ball forward and create Solomon’s goal showed why Nuno has continued giving him opportunities.
Nuno does not need to choose only one
The strongest outcome for West Ham could be Engels helping Kanté rather than replacing him.
Engels brings greater senior experience despite being only 22, while Kanté offers athleticism and the ability to cover ground. Nuno could eventually use the pair together, particularly during a 46-match Championship season where rotation will become unavoidable.
Engels is expected to become available for the home game against Charlton Athletic next weekend after missing Burnley because of the registration timing.
His first team sheet will now be worth watching closely.
West Ham have just broken the division’s transfer record for a midfielder expected to play regularly. Kanté responded before Engels could even make his debut by creating a goal and strengthening his own claim.
For Nuno, that is exactly the sort of £22m selection problem he should want.
