Forum | Non-Football Related

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has re-iterated Hammers mid field maestro, Dimitri Payet, would "Improve any European team", he went on to say "He's always had the talent, but now at 29 years of age he's getting the recognition he deserves," Zidane added, "When he was not in the national team he never gave up and is now showing that he's one of the most important and talented players, not only in France but in Europe. "He's had an incredible season with West Ham and is now at the European Championship. He can improve any team in Europe and has everything you're looking for in an attacking midfielder as a coach. "He can score goals, give assists and is excellent with set pieces."
All very complimentary, but worryingly Real Madrid have a habit of trawling for players they missed first time round by paying 'uber' transfer fees in order to get their man the second time! Perversely most West Ham fans will be hoping Payet performs well but not too well during the rest of the competition so their "I don't think you understand" will still be "Super Slav's man" by the end of the Euro's. - Ed

There was a time in the season when Dimitri Payet was not considered part of Didier Deschamps’ plans ahead of Euro 2016 in his home country, but it became difficult to ignore a player who simply lit up the Premier League in his first season in England. It was a joy to watch such a talented player make a big impact at the Boleyn Ground, and it was probably no surprise to Hammers fans to see Payet light up the European Championship on the opening day with a performance right out the top drawer. On a pitch surrounded by hugely talented players such as Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann, Payet stole the show with a magical display in which he always looked likely to produce something special, with his sublime winning goal with a left-foot laser right into the top corner lifting the roof off the Stade de France. The raw emotion that overcame him as he was substituted to a standing ovation was probably felt by West Ham fans who are proud to call him one of our own, and while Betway still consider France as favourite to win yet another major tournament on home soil, we can only hope that he continues to perform in the same manner and returns to East London raring to go.
Watching Payet strut his stuff at Euro 2016 is a reminder of what West Ham have to look forward to next season at the Olympic Stadium, with the French star likely to play a big role in the Premier League and Europe League. We can only hope that Payet is not tempted away by the number of big clubs who are reportedly keeping an eye on the 29-year-old, but it is difficult to see the Frenchman wanting to leave the Hammers in the middle of a wonderful project that has only just begun under Slaven Bilic. The manager rightly gushed over his prized asset as a pundit of ITV as part of their Euro 2016 coverage, but it will be up to him to bring in extra reinforcements to handle the strain of competing on four fronts next season. However, quality may prove to be more important than quantity, particularly when it comes to ensuring that the likes of Payet remain at West Ham and continue to produce the level of football that we thoroughly enjoyed this season.
Bilic has made no secret of his interest in bringing Besiktas duo Gokhan Tore and Atiba Hutchinson to the Olympic Stadium next season, and with Sofiane Feghouli arriving from Valencia on a free transfer, then West Ham could be in great shape next season. Tore and Feghouli would represent fantastic signings, with both known as fast players who offer a lot of quality in the final third. Hutchinson, on the other hand, would bring experience at the back and is probably valued as a solid replacement for Joey O’Brien who will leave the club at the end of the month.
There is still plenty of time for Bilic to assess the transfer market and bring in players that fit into the club’s budget, but there is no reason to believe that the Hammers could not finish higher than seventh next season or be in serious contention to win one of the domestic cups. Fans can keep tabs on Betway’s Premier League coverage if they believe West Ham can make the dream of breaking into the top four a reality – if Leicester can storm their way to the summit, why should we not believe that our team cannot achieve a similar feat by separating the big guns and reaching the Champions League?
Fans will undoubtedly keep tabs on Payet’s progress at Euro 2016 with France whilst separating the conjecture from truth in the transfer rumour mill. It promises to be an eventful and exciting ahead for us, particularly if Payet reports back without any injury concerns and is welcomed back by fresh faces that add more quality to the team at the training ground. Bilic will be more than aware of the importance of keeping one of West Ham’s best players at the club, and although it is great to see the manager smiling and giving his expert opinions for ITV throughout Euro 2016, he could be utilising the tournament as a great opportunity to identify potential transfer targets.