Pablo might still depart West Ham this summer
The transfer window closed in most European countries on Tuesday night. However, Turkish clubs are still able to make transfers until tomorrow. Their window closes at a local time of 23:59 on Friday.
According to HT Spor (translated from Turkish), "Trabzonspor has very serious initiatives regarding Richarlison. They also have some initiatives with Pablo, who plays for West Ham. As breaking news, the name (Folarin) Balogun has come onto Trabzonspor's agenda. He couldn't agree with Everton either. We can say that Trabzonspor is taking a look at his situation on the last day of the transfer window."
Pablo has yet to score in 20 games for West Ham, but he has provided two assists. This season, he has been involved in just two of the Hammers' four Championship games. Pablo and Taty Castellanos both arrived at the London Stadium in January of last year, and the Argentine is regarded as the better buy.
Remarkably, West Ham have managed to hold on to Castellanos. This is despite him being linked with AC Milan and Everton. However, he has not looked his best this season and failed to convert his penalty late on against Charlton Athletic. It was Pablo and new signing from Leeds United, Joël Piroe, who started in the 4-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers this week. Castellanos did come on for Piroe in the 56th minute.
Would Pablo be missed if he were to leave West Ham?
Pablo has not set the world alight since he joined West Ham. However, there is frustration that the Hammers have let too many of their players go this summer without replacing them. If Pablo were to depart, it would leave the Hammers with just Castellanos and Piroe as senior centre-forwards. However, the Hammers also have Josh Ajala, who scored twice against Southampton in the EFL Cup. Divine Musaka, who bagged a brace against Wolves, can also play up front.
Trabzonspor could be an attractive option for Pablo, as they, of course, now have Mohamed Salah in their ranks. Other notable players they have are Salah's ex-Liverpool teammate Fabinho and the former Manchester City defender Stefan Savic. Their goalkeeper is also Andre Onana, who is formerly of Manchester United.
The Turkish side has been looking for a new striker and was linked with Darwin Núñez. However, the former Liverpool forward ended up going on loan to Diriyah Club from Al-Hilal. Richarlison appears to be Trabzonspor's priority, but he is also being linked with Fenerbahçe. It would somewhat be a backwards step if Balogun were to go to Trabzonspor from AS Monaco after he walked away from the deal to join Everton.
West Ham are in for a long season in the Championship. It is embarrassing that Pablo has yet to score for the club. However, he could do well in the second tier this season if he is given time. Losing him now would also leave the Hammers unable to replace him, unless they delve into the free-agent market. They have previously been linked with Jamie Vardy, but the former Leicester City striker, who is without a club, is also on Wrexham's radar.
