During what must have been a frenzied transfer window -if half the reports linking West Ham with players were remotely correct- the Hammers approached clubs seeking fast young attacking midfielders. The stories of Banzuzi, McAtee, Chukwuemeka, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – to name but a few – were reported throughout January but West Ham emerged empty handed at the end of the window.
One of the many approached was French 21 year old central midfielder Warren Bondo who was at the time playing for Italian club Monza. According to onefootball.com today, both West Ham and Nottingham Forest made a play for the youngster.
Apparently: “The likes of Atalanta, Lazio, Roma and Fiorentina were also interested but Bondo was never interested in any of them as he only wanted to sign for AC Milan.” Another case of so near, but yet so far for West Ham – the 21 year old got his wish and moved to Milan before deadline day.
“He became Isamel Benaccer’s replacement at the San Siro, joining them on transfer deadline day for €10m from fellow Serie A side Monza.”
Ten million euros for a decent twenty one year old midfielder who is now plying his trade at AC Milan. Makes some of the fees paid in the Premier League look outrageous.
Our expenditure was a loan fee for Ferguson plus picking up his wages for a few months, and foregoing the remaining loan income on JWP and picking up his wages again. Minimal.