34-Year-Old’s West Ham United Move Collapses After Late Talks: Setback For The Hammers? | OneFootball

West Ham United missed a chance to add experience after their deadline-day pursuit of a 34-year-old Swiss defender Ricardo Rodriguez collapsed.

According to Sky Sport Italia journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, via Give Me Sport, the veteran was close to joining the Championship club, but talks broke down. He will instead return to Torino, where Di Marzio reports he will sign a one-year deal with an option to extend. The defender left Real Betis after his contract expired on June 30.

He made 23 La Liga appearances and nine Europa League appearances last season, with one assist. He featured throughout Switzerland’s 2026 World Cup campaign and took his international tally to 144 caps. West Ham United completed a loan move for Adama Boiro from Athletic Club.

West Ham United lost more than a squad player

For me, the failed move hurts the Hammers because Rodriguez could have solved two problems. His days as an attacking full-back have gone, yet his value now comes from positioning, distribution and defensive judgement. His 2025/26 season brought 84-85% passing accuracy in available records, while his experience remains rare for a squad chasing promotion.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JUNE 13: Ricardo Rodriguez #13 of Switzerland reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Qatar and Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 13, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Rodriguez offers tactical cover. He can play left-back or slot into the left side of a back three, giving a manager another way to change shape without making a substitution. That mattered for West Ham United, especially with little senior depth on the left.

Why West Ham United could regret it

The Hammers missed out on Rodriguez and failed to land Roma’s Anass Salah-Eddine before turning to Boiro, whose loan includes an option to buy. Boiro brings youth and athleticism, but he cannot replace the Swiss defender’s leadership immediately.

For Rodriguez, Torino looks like a clean footballing match. He previously captained the club and spent four seasons there, while Serie A can reward his reading of space more than raw pace. His return should give younger defenders, including Eray Cömert, an experienced voice beside them.

West Ham United have their new left-back, yet losing the chance to add an experienced international defender for free could prove costly during a promotion campaign.