{"id":518452,"date":"2019-09-05T12:06:42","date_gmt":"2019-09-05T16:06:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonfootball.com\/?p=518452"},"modified":"2019-09-05T12:06:42","modified_gmt":"2019-09-05T16:06:42","slug":"west-ham-united-juventus-mario-mandzukic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2019\/09\/05\/west-ham-united-juventus-mario-mandzukic\/","title":{"rendered":"West Ham United Should be Cautious of Juventus Striker Mario Mandzukic"},"content":{"rendered":"

A report by Gareth Bicknell of the Daily Mirror<\/a> is suggesting that West Ham United<\/a> are looking at a January deal for Juventus<\/a> striker Mario Mandzukic<\/a>. However, the Hammers should be cautious of doing a deal for the 33-year-old.<\/p>\n

West Ham Should be Cautious of Signing Mario Mandzukic<\/h2>\n

The Situation<\/h3>\n

Manuel Pellegrini currently has just two senior strikers available at the moment, both of whom are new signings. Club-record<\/a> signing Sebastien Haller<\/a> has had an impressive start to life at the London Stadium, while Albian Ajeti<\/a> has only featured in the Carabao Cup.\u00a0As a result, Manuel Pellegrini is on the hunt for new additions.<\/p>\n

According to the report, any deal is likely to be a short-term solution, most likely a loan. This is due to the Mario Mandzukic now edging towards the end of his career.<\/p>\n

Why West Ham Have to be Cautious of Mario Mandzukic<\/h3>\n

The Croatian is not the player he once used to be. While he would still be a good addition for West Ham, his age is a definite issue.<\/p>\n

Mandzukic has fallen down the pecking order at Juventus. So far this season he has not featured, being an unused substitute on both occasions. As a result, he would need time to get back to full fitness before featuring for West Ham.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, Mandzukic is not a prolific goalscorer. Last season he scored just ten goals as Juventus dominated Serie A. The 2017\/18 season also painted a similar picture, with nine goals in 38 appearances.<\/p>\n

Instead of the Croatian, Manuel Pellegrini should look for a younger option. While a younger alternative may prove more costly, it will prove a better long term option. A younger striker in comparison to Mario Mandzukic will also push Sebastien Haller and be able to develop a partnership, instead of the short term option of the Croatian.<\/p>\n

Main Photo<\/p>\n

Embed from Getty Images<\/a>