West Ham’s recent signing of Carlos Soler has generated considerable anticipation, with some fans and analysts drawing comparisons to one of the club’s most celebrated former players. The transfer, officially announced on deadline day, had been in the pipeline for several weeks.
The deal was contingent upon the departure of one of West Ham’s midfielders on loan, and once James Ward-Prowse made his move, Soler’s arrival quickly followed.
Soler’s stint at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) was marked by limited opportunities, as he started only 26 Ligue 1 matches over two seasons. Despite this, his performances at Valencia, where he began his career, were nothing short of outstanding. In his final two full seasons in La Liga, Soler demonstrated his attacking capabilities by scoring 22 goals and contributing 13 assists, making him a key player for the Spanish side.
What has caught the attention of West Ham supporters is Soler’s ability to deliver precise passes and his exceptional dribbling skills, attributes that have led to comparisons with Dimitri Payet, one of the most creative and influential players West Ham has ever had. According to reports, including those from GIVEMESPORT, there are striking similarities between Soler and Payet.
Such comparisons are a testament to Soler’s potential, especially considering the high regard in which Payet is held by West Ham fans. Payet’s tenure at the club was marked by his extraordinary talent, and if Soler can replicate even a portion of Payet’s brilliance, he could become an integral part of Julen Lopetegui’s squad.
However, there is some concern about how Soler will fit into West Ham’s current setup. Lopetegui has shown a preference for playing with two defensively oriented midfielders, and it is difficult to see him benching key players like Lucas Paquetá or Mohammed Kudus. Despite this, it is also unlikely that Soler would have agreed to join the club without the promise of more playing time than he received at PSG.
The hope is that Soler can meet the high expectations placed upon him. The comparison to Payet is not made lightly, and fans are eager to see whether Soler can deliver a similar level of creativity and influence on the pitch, but without the controversies that sometimes surrounded Payet’s time at the club. If Soler can live up to the hype, he has the potential to become a valuable asset for West Ham and a fan favorite in his own right.