West Ham Co-Owner David Sullivan Admits Alex Song Deal is a Gamble
Alex Song is set to return to Upton Park despite serious injury concerns and a disappointing end to last season's loan spell at Upton Park
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted resigning Alex Song on a permanent basis represents a gamble on the part of the London club.
The Cameroonian midfielder spent last season on loan at Upton Park from Barcelona, making 31 appearances in all competitions.
The former Arsenal man's form tailed off towards the end of the season, however, and Sullivan has pinpointed concerns attached to the deal.
Speaking to the Knees Up Mother Brown podcast, Sullivan confirmed a deal is in place pending a medical, and talked about Song's range in form last season.
"On his pre-Christmas form he was possibly the best player we've ever signed, but after Christmas he was just another player," Sullivan said. "Maybe there were reasons for that and maybe we'll see the true Alex Song and maybe he'll make a huge contribution this year."
Sullivan went on to confirm that the 27-year-old is currently injured and that the proposed deal is subject to him proving his fitness.
"He's a player we all admire and we just hope that the medical shows he's in a sufficient state for us to gamble," he said. "He couldn't physically pass a medical tomorrow, but if the medics say it's just a technical thing and he's only a couple of weeks away, you'd take that gamble and hope they're right."
Sullivan acknowledged the risk of a three-year deal, especially since Song is a "big earner", but said the team needs quality at the position and is considering adding someone else as well.