‘If I have to’ – West Ham target issues strained update regarding his future

Thiago Mendes, a reported target for West Ham, has issued an update regarding his future, stating “If [he has] to stay” at Lyon then he will do so.

Mendes has been a mainstay of the Lyon side for the past couple of seasons. The Brazilian made 32 league appearances last term, and has made 27 this season.

It was recently reported by journalist Jorge Nicola that Mendes was a target of West Ham‘s, via Canal do Nicola. Mendes played all 180 minutes against David Moyes’ side in the Europa League quarter-finals earlier in the month.

The Hammers are apparently rivalling Flamengo for the defensive-midfielder. Nicola thinks that the Hammers have a good chance of landing him.

Indeed, he said West Ham’s interest was “everything Flamengo didn’t want” as the English side would be able to pay more. With Mendes’ contract up next year, a move could soon be on the cards.

Of course, it is likely that Lyon would want to make a fee this summer, rather than lose out on the midfielder for nothing.

The chance to play in the Premier League may be an attractive prospect for Mendes. His former Lyon teammate Bruno Guimaraes is thriving in England, and that could demonstrate that the same is possible for him.

However, he has issued an update of his own regarding his future.

“The first thing, I already want to finish this championship very well. I don’t know what will happen after,” he told Olympique et Lyonnais.

It seems for now that the 30-year-old is fully focused on the current campaign with Lyon.

Despite links away from Lyon, it seems Mendes is not thinking about a move.

“I still have a year of contract left with the club for which I give my all. I’ll leave here anyway with my head held high.”

Given he still has another year left on his deal, he