10 dumbest signings of the summer

Pablo Zabaleta, Javier Hernandez, Marko Arnautovic – West Ham

Also known as, what’s the plan, West Ham?

The Hammers desperately needed to upgrade their defense after a fairly disappointing 2016-17 season, and ended up with Pablo Zabeleta’s shell as their main defensive signing. Only five other clubs gave up more goals than West Ham last year, and two of those teams were relegated. A disastrous beginning to the new season allowing eight goals in three matches, (the most in the Premier League) re-affirms the need for defensive help.

Instead, Slaven Bilic and company decided to sign aging, attacking players and a 32-year-old right back that is slower than a distance runner with cement shoes. The moves have backfired to say the least.

All three are decent players in their own rights. Zabaleta needs the right pieces around him, namely pacey, athletic defenders, to offset his own declining skill set, but could still be a useful defender. Chicharito can thrive in the right system being the poacher that he is, but he needs service to do so, service that he is not and likely will not be getting. Marko Arnautovic can take over a match, but is more likely to ruin one.

All three, not to mention Joe Hart’s loan move, are aging and are either in their decline or close to it. Arnautovic is 28, the youngest of the four. Hernandez is 29, Hart 30 and Zabaleta 32. West Ham’s average age of 27 is tied for seventh highest in the Premier League. Their high wages don’t leave much room for depth, and will hurt them in the long run.