Pundit issues critical Emerson Palmieri verdict after Sky’s West Ham update
Noel Whelan has suggested the signing of Emerson Palmieri could be “key” to West Ham finishing in the European berths yet again this season.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed David Moyes will have done his research on the 28-year-old before sanctioning a deal.
West Ham confirmed the signing of Emerson on Tuesday (23 August), with the Italy international penning a four-year deal – with the option of a further year.
According to Sky Sports (23 August), the Irons will pay Chelsea a potential fee of £15million after add-ons for the left-back’s services.
The Euro 2020 winner becomes the seventh summer signing at the London Stadium as Moyes bulks up his squad before another European campaign gets into full swing.
Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, and Maxwel Cornet are among the marquee additions for the Londoners.
Whelan insisted Moyes would have examined the defender’s “character” before adding him to his tight-knit squad.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “They’ve identified a player who knows the Premier League, he’s an international.
“Moyes knows what he wants. He’s someone who makes sure players are the right character, he doesn’t just buy a player to fill a gap.
“Competition for places is key, and they need to add players as they’re in European competition again. We’ve seen that with the likes of Scamacca and Downes coming in.
“It’s another piece of the jigsaw to keep West Ham competitive and at the right end of the table.”
The Brazil-born star made 36 appearances on loan at Lyon last term, scoring one and assisting two.
Emerson played 33 Premier League games during his four-year spell at Chelsea.
In other news, Kieran Maguire claims West Ham may lose out on “hidden gem” after Government ban.