Patrice Evra joins West Ham on a free until end of the season

West Ham have completed the shock free transfer of ex-Manchester United full back Patrice Evra. The Frenchman will join the club until the end of the season after leaving Marseille by mutual consent in November.

Evra been the subject of several controversies during his career, most recently kicking a Marseille fan before a Europa League game. This incident directly led to his free agent status and has allowed the Hammers to sign the veteran for a free.

Sky Sports reported that Evra arrived at the Rush Green training complex on Wednesday for a medical. He played for David Moyes during the Scotsman’s ill-fated season managing Manchester United.

Photo by Mike Egerton - EMPICS/PA Images via Getty Images

The highly decorated Frenchman will hopefully inject steely experience to the dressing room. He arrives at West Ham after winning seven league titles and the Champions League among several other competitions. However, I was also optimistic when Alvara Arbeloa came to East London and he was one of the worst signings in recent memory.

Evra’s arrival places Aaron Cresswell’s position under considerable jeopardy. Arthur Masuaku has played well in a more advanced position leaving Cresswell as the main left back for West Ham. The fact Moyes feels the need to bring in another player in the position shows a lack of faith in the England international.

Evra will need time to get match fit, it will be interesting to see if he can supplant Cresswell’s place in the starting lineup. For now this looks like a good move for West Ham, one which will strengthen a shaky defence and hopefully improve squad morale.

You can find more posts from Jack Kavanagh on his popular culture blog Culture Hash