£5M Traore Transfer Demand Takes the Mick

I couldn’t help but have a quiet chuckle when watching Fulham’s attempts to sell Adama Traore to West Ham United. It should be remembered that Traore is wanted by Hammers manager Nuno Espirito Santo, who is keen on a reunion with a player he previously managed at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Traore is out of contract at the end of the current season and has been featuring very rarely in Fulham’s first team. In that context, a move to West Ham would suit all parties, with the remainder of his contract being taken up by the Hammers for a nominal fee.

However, as January arrived, Traore’s price somehow rose from virtually nothing to £7 million. That figure was always far in excess of what West Ham should be paying for a player with only months left on his deal. Fulham’s explanation at the time was their need for cover due to players away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fair enough.

Fulham Change Tune, West Ham Still Overpay?

Now, with a full complement of wingers and new signings arriving, Fulham have made it known that Traore is no longer required at Craven Cottage and can move on. There is, of course, one small problem. His valuation has been adjusted to £5 million.

While that may look like a reduction, it still feels at least £4.5 million more than West Ham should be paying. At this point, the deal represents poor value, especially when it’s worth remembering Traore would only be signing a six-month contract at the London Stadium.

From the player’s perspective, that is understandable. With West Ham staring at relegation and no clarity over which division we will be in next season, there is little incentive for him to commit to anything longer.