02.10.2014, Paterna, Spain. Foto Oficial equipos Valencia CF.
West Ham are close to signing Toni Martinez for £2.4 million according to reports in Spain repeated by the Daily Mail today.
Martinez has starred in Valencia’s youth teams for the past few years, scoring over 100 goals in four seasons, but he’s grown tired over his lack of first-team opportunities.
It is claimed the 18-year-old is being targeted by Head of Recruitment Tony Henry as West Ham look for backup options for attack in the future. The reports claims the Hammers are close to his signature suggesting the player is anxiously waiting for a call from his agent.
Valencia have been managed by Gary Neville this season but are struggling. They seem open to selling the young striker but would like to include a buy-back option in his contract incase it proves to be a success in the Premier League.
Martinez, who is able to play as a wide forward or a central striker, has made eight appearances in the UEFA Youth League, making three assists and scoring one goal himself.
The footage is nothing to write home about but my mates here rate him as a Lineker type player who knows how to score goals,has a turn of pace over 3-5 yards,
No where near the finished article but who knows he could be the 20/25 goals a season in years to come,
At least there not calling him the Spanish Messi
Sean a buy-back option ?
does that mean they are free to buy him back when his contract with us finishes ( for a pre-arranged price)? even if we want to keep him?
Buy back options can be complicated but usually it gives the selling back first option to buy the player back at the market rate if he is sold. I.e Lets say he works out and becomes a 20+ goal scorer per year. Manchester United offer £40m for him. Valencia would have first refusal to match that offer. Sometimes a set value can be written into the contract. However, West Ham will not want to develop him only to sell him back on the cheap so it will be a balance to suit both clubs. Sell on clauses are more common than buy back these days although Real Madrid have a back back clause on Ozil if he is sold to another Spanish club. They have the right for first refusal