West Ham could land Aaron Cresswell replacement for free but must fend off European competition | OneFootball

West Ham United may have found the ideal replacement for club stalwart Aaron Cresswell but will have to fend off competition from a host of European sides lining up a move.

Estadio Deportivo reports that the Hammers are interested in Real Betis left-back Juan Miranda, who has impressed this season. He could be a decent addition, especially when it’ll cost us nothing to get a deal over the line.

Miranda is rapidly approaching the end of his four-year spell at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

There is no word of a contract extension on the horizon, paving the way for a summer exit despite being a key part of Betis’ fight to finish the season in the Europa League places.

Miranda has no shortage of suitors from across the continent. West Ham are one of them, but we must get to him before the likes of Atletico Madrid, Crystal Palace, AC Milan, Porto, and Benfica, to name a few.

Miranda could be a decent replacement for Cresswell

Cresswell has been a loyal servant to the Hammers for almost a decade, but he’s one of several players who could bid farewell to the Europa League quarter-finalists this summer.

The 34-year-old has made 346 appearances since joining from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2014 and has contributed to our success over the years with 11 goals and 37 assists to his name.

However, he’s firmly expected to part ways with the club this summer, but we may have found his long-term successor with a move for Miranda lined up.

With just a goal and an assist to his name after 21 La Liga appearances this season, it’s easy to write off the Spaniard.

He’d be kicking himself for not improving his tally after missing four big chances, but his attacking numbers only conceal his impressive defensive contributions.

He has been a key figure in the Betis backline this season. He has kept five clean sheets thus far and averages nearly a key pass per 90, as well as 1.5 tackles, 3.3 ball recoveries, and 2.3 clearances per match.

Miranda is near-impossible to get past in 1v1 duels, recording an astonishing 63% success rate in ground battles. But his aerial prowess can improve, given he has won just 45% of such duels.

The sheer number and calibre of clubs sniffing around the Spaniard speaks volumes. But if that’s not convincing enough, his defensive metrics further underscore why we should give him a serious look.