Dimitri Payet has established himself as one of the Premier League’s best attacking threats, but can West Ham hold onto the Frenchman for much longer?
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Hammers teammate and captain Mark Noble believes that it’s a necessity the club does everything in its power to keep Payet in London.
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While Noble recognizes that a move away from the London Stadium could be tempting for the Frenchman, the PL veteran said he wouldn’t be surprised if Payet remains with the club moving forward.
“In football, you never know what’s going to happen,” Noble said. “I don’t care what anyone says, in football money does talk, whether that’s for the club, in transfer fees, or incredible wages in this day and age.
“But I wouldn’t be surprised if Dimi is here by the end of January. You need special players to do special things at moments and he’s done that on untold times last season.
“Even against Middlesbrough this year with the solo goal he scored and the free-kick the other night (v Liverpool), he’s a massive player for us and we must do everything to keep him at the football club.”
Last season, Payet played a key role in the Hammers finishing in the top half of the PL, while also directing them into the qualifying phase of the UEFA Europa League. The 29-year-old notched 12 goals in all competitions, but this campaign has been quite different for Payet and West Ham.
With the Hammers currently in the relegation battle as the season nears the halfway point, a move away from the club doesn’t seem too unrealistic from Payet’s perspective.
The attacker is nearing his 30s, and West Ham isn’t a traditional English power at this stage, so it would make sense if Payet seeks out a move where he can compete for championships and remain in the mix for a spot with the French national team.