When he arrived at West Ham United, Felipe Anderson was the club's most expensive signing, his record fee was eclipsed later on by the arrival of Sebastian Haller but the initial £36 Million price was still substantial. Anderson went on to prove his worth during his first year at the club under the guidance of ex-manager Manuel Pellegrini, he scored freely and was able to produce assists regularly, unfortunately this season his performances have been far more sporadic, not aided by the change of management nor by the nasty back injury he picked up against Sheffield United.
A player of Anderson's quality doesn't suddenly become bad, in fact his performances have earned him a recall to the Brazilian national team, but the change of management did impact on his contribution with David Moyes seemingly unable to utilise the attacking midfielder's qualities, however that situation seemed to be altering of late with Moyes beginning to recognise what Anderson brings to the table. Indeed the Brazilian is one of West Ham's most valuable assets and could walk in to most teams in the Barclays Premier League as well as those in Europe.
So news that Napoli, among others, are interested in acquiring Anderson's services should come as no surprise, but it is one thing to covet another team's player, and another thing to actually be able to afford said player! Now Napoli are NOT cash rich, so any move they made for Anderson would come at the expense of 'sacrificing' one of their top players, and realistically that 'ain't gonna happen'. Felipe has another two years left on his contract with an option for the club to extend by another year, there was a 'gentlemen's ' agreement in place whereby Anderson could be released for a fee of £60 Million if Barcelona or the like came calling.
It is inconceivable that Napoli or any other team are willing to invest so heavily at this moment in time, of course for individuals in life there are always opportunities like this offer to boost your income, and after all most people are happy to explore something to make them happy. If the Hammers' hierarchy haven't chosen a path forward for their stars then they would be foolish in the extreme, better to 'bounce' Jack Wilshere and use his obscene salary to bring in two or three new players, there is also the resurgent academy which is finally producing the conveyor belt of talent that used to be the mainstay of the club both financially and spiritually.
West Ham are spoiled for choice when it comes to attacking midfield players with the likes of Robert Snodgrass, 'Big Mick Antonio' and the emerging talent that is Grady Diangana. Then there is of course Manuel Lanzini the little jewel, if anyone needs to be sold for big money then he is the ideal candidate, plenty of time left on his contract and he is a player who realistically could be sold for decent money, without leaving a gaping hole in the ranks.
David Moyes may be correct in wanting to 'freshen up' his squad, but not at the expense of losing one of the club's most influential players. - Ed
