Sam Allardyce has secured yet another big name signing at Upton Park, bringing in Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on loan. The club introduced him to their fans just before their match against Southampton on Saturday.
Alex Song moves to West Ham on loan
Stu Forster
Song moved to Barcelona in 2012, but has struggled to break into the first team since. He’s been a backup for Sergio Busquets, mostly, and hasn’t been terrific in his starting opportunities. He was a box-to-box midfielder in a double pivot for most of his Premier League career, and failed to adapt to his new role with the Blaugrana. He was never in new manager Luis Enrique’s plans and was reportedly available on a free loan, so West Ham have probably gotten a bit of a bargain.
On the evidence of his last four seasons with Arsenal, Song should improve West Ham's midfield significantly. They're a bit light on pace and players willing to try through balls, and Song should provide them with both.
Fellow new signing Cheikhou Kouyaté, who can play in midfield or defense, has been starting as a central midfielder since arriving from Anderlecht. He could form a partnership with Song, or Song’s acquisition could lead to him moving back to defense.
