Jhon Durans incredible start for Aston Villa where the Colombian striker has scored three winning goals in four games means, of course, there have been many West Ham fans now upset that the club didn’t stump up the £40m price tag that was mooted in the press.
Instead West Ham secured the signing of the German international Niclas Fullkrug at £22m with add ons to bring the final transfer fee to £25m. At 31 years old he has a lot more experience and a proven track record, whereas with Duran at 20 years old, West Ham felt they were buying potential.
Fullkrug has had limited playing time so far, and after scoring for Germany against Hungary recently picked up a minor injury so was unavailable for the game against Fulham.
Mikhail Antonio has been Lopetegui’s first choice for the striker berth yet was hauled off after half time versus Fulham having registered zero shots on and off target, losing possession more than once every four minutes. This has raised further questions as to why West Ham failed to sign Duran.
It has now been suggested that Tim Steidten decided to pull the plug as Aston Villa kept moving the goal posts. The player allegedly wanted to move and the agent wanted the transfer to take place. He even did a crossed Hammers on his instagram which was ‘not well received’ by his parent club. The original fee quoted was £40m, then additional clauses were added, which included a buy back clause. It was very clear at this stage – well into the Summer window – that even an offer of £40m would not have been accepted.
The wider press also reported that Aston Villa wanted West Ham youngster Lewis Orford included in any deal – and there was a major backlash from West Ham supporters over this which led to the youth team player being offered a new improved contract. (Every cloud has a silver lining then.)
Villa did everything they could to keep their player and they succeeded. It was a high-risk strategy yet the key point that needs emphasising was the timing: Having balanced their books earlier on in the transfer window in order to not fall foul of PSR rules they just didn’t need to sell. They had already raised €60m from selling Diaby and €51.5m from Luiz. If anything, West Ham’s interest was just too late. There may well have been an opportunity before the end of June to buy for £35 million: We’ll probably never know for sure.
Duran is contracted to Aston Villa until 30 June 2028, and if his rich vein of form continues will attract the attention of more clubs in next summers transfer window.
Good summary, he was a massive risk at £40m if that was a possibility. He may prove to be a £40m player but there was not enough evidence to make it worth the gamble. He may still be a flash in the pan.
Very good article – sometimes deals just don’t happen no matter what you do – its nothing new – I remember Lyall trying to sign Kerry Dixon which just didn’t happen
Lets move on – What if will not help us
COYI
Version I heard was that we agreed a fee with Villa. Which would be supported by the fact that we were allowed to speak with and agree terms with the player.
Apparently it was then us that moved the goalposts trying to offer less and change the structure of the deal. Hoping that the player would act up and force the move. Hence the crossed hammers thing for example. The player really wanted the move due to the prospect of first team football.
I don’t know whether this version is 100% accurate or not. But given who our owner is and how we’ve acted in negotiations previously, I’d tend to believe this rather than what the article claims.