West Ham finds their defensive reinforcement in Craig Dawson

David Moyes was more than desperate to add more personnel to the Hammers’ backline and has done so with the inclusion of Craig Dawson from Watford.

Watford’s drop from the Premier League to the Championship has seen them lose some key players to other clubs. They’ve now lost experienced Dawson to West Ham on a season-long loan deal.

If the move works out it could become a permanent switch in 2021, as per reports. He comes in and provides much-needed depth to a side that struggled to keep from conceding goals.

"West Ham have completed the signing of defender Craig Dawson on a season-long loan from Watford.The arrival of the 30-year-old, who could make the switch to the London Stadium permanently in 2021, is expected to end manager David Moyes’ search for centre-half reinforcements."

This should finally end the search as Moyes was eager to bring in a new centre back, having lost out to two main CB targets ere them landing the 30-year-old Englishman. The London club first went in extremely hard for Burnley’s blocker, James Tarkowski.

They saw two bids under the £50m valuation stamped on the player by Sean Dyche denied by the Clarets. They were reluctant to sell their star centre back to a Premier League rival fighting for the same spots as them but if the price was right they would consider. No price was right!

Following their failed Tarkowski attempts, they made a last-minute ditch for Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori just before the first part of the window shut closed. Because of them hitting miss with their late efforts, West Ham had to settle for a Championship player.

David Moyes on his new signing:

"It’s no secret that we have been trying to add more quality to the squad in defensive positions, not only for the longer-term but also to ensure we are well protected right now, and the opportunity to bring in Craig on loan was an addition that will make the group stronger through this period.I know he will be a great addition to the dressing room – he is a committed and determined character. I look forward to working with him for the rest of the season. (Via: Sky Sports)"

West Ham enjoys a London derby against Tottenham when they return to domestic action on Sunday and do so while experiencing a nice purple patch. This, despite them losing two of their four opening fixtures and an early exit from the EFL Cup to Everton.

The most worrying factor has been a sticking point for many seasons running now, and that is keeping clean sheets. The Hammers have already let in four goals in the EPL and five in their cup run, upping the total to nine goals conceded for the season so far.

They’ve only managed to keep three clean sheets in their seven opening games. Dawson could make his debut when they meet Spurs over the weekend.