Morgan Amalfitano admits he already has an eye on earning a new contract at West Ham United, having impressed in the opening stages of the season.
The French midfielder first came to prominence in England last term, when he spent the campaign on loan at West Bromwich Albion. Amalfitano made 31 appearances for the Baggies and scored four goals, most notably one against Manchester United in a 2-1 win at Old Trafford. And after gaining a taste for the Premier League, he was keen to return for the 2014-15 edition.
A number of clubs had been linked with the 29-year-old, but it was Sam Allardyce who took the plunge and offered him the chance to join his West Ham side after the capital club agreed an undisclosed fee for his signature with Marseille. However, the player was only given a 12-month contract, so he has already set his sights on winning a longer-term deal at Upton Park.
“I hope to contribute and to stay here,” the one-cap France international told RMC. “I never had any doubts about making this choice. I just had to prepare myself physically in line with what I did with Marseille. Then I could get back to my best. I’m adapting well and I hope it carries on this way in the future. But we can’t rest because there is still a long road ahead.”
Amalfitano has played six times in the league for the Hammers, scoring two goals, the most recent of which clinched a famous 2-1 win over champions Manchester City on Saturday. This result helped Allardyce’s side maintain their fine start to a season in which many pundits expected them to struggle, but instead, with nine games played, they currently occupy fourth position.
Another new signing who is enjoying his time in East London is Alex Song. The Cameroon international, formerly of Arsenal, was made surplus to requirements at Barcelona in the summer, yet there was a surprising lack of interest in his signature. This was good news for Allardyce who took him on loan for the campaign, and the midfielder now expects to stay in England.
“No, I think my future will be here,” he told Sky Sports when asked if he would return to Spain. “My family, everyone is happy here. I’m very happy to come back to England. I’ve always said if I move from Barcelona, I’ll come to England and my future is here anyway. I just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we’ll see what is happening at the end of the season.”
Should West Ham move quickly to snap up both Amalfitano and Song on long-term deals before it’s too late? Let us know what you think by joining the discussion below.
