Interesting to see more information in the public domain now about the Colombian we all wanted to sign for West Ham in the August transfer window. The now infamous ‘crossed arms’ Hammers’s post caused fury amongst Aston Villa fans – quite rightly they saw this as disloyal.
West Ham fans were equally outraged years ago when Paul Ince was photographed in Manchester United kit whilst still a West Ham player, so we can all understand how Duran’s actions didn’t sit well!
‘That’ social media post
Now a former Aston Villa scout has admitted to footballinsider247.com that Duran’s attitude has been flagged up by other teams who were considering bidding – maybe, just maybe the Hammers inadvertently made the right choice.
Mick Brown, former Villa scout, is quoted as saying that there were concerns (well reported) at Aston Villa that the Colombian is a difficult character to work with and:
“Those concerns at Villa seem to have been brushed under the carpet because he’s had a fantastic season and committed to a big new deal.
And, as far as I’m told, Arsenal have been looking for a new striker and he has been a name on their list. But there are lingering doubts about that attitude which have put them off.”
The football insider report confirms :”Behind-the-scenes issues involving the player in the past raised red flags for the Gunners’ recruitment team.”
So it seems Duran has failed the ‘attitude test’ for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Maybe we saved £40 million and dodged a large attitude-shaped bullet. Some would suggest any amount of unrest would be worth it for 20 goals a season: Certainly Claret and Hugh readers would appear to think so.
Unai Emery seems able to manage his boisterous youngster, but he was known to have wanted a move away from the Midlands team – we’ll see how Villa’s number 9 copes in the medium term being continually played as second filled to Ollie Watkins.
Maybe he’ll start agitating for a move again – Chelsea and West Ham have tried, Arsenal decided to ‘pass’ – who’s next I wonder? Cue the Liverpool rumours.
An ex scout that was sacked by the club has no in hand knowledge of the new regime at Villa park and keeps on making reports like this to keep himself relevant and probably earns a living from it . Bye the way its not only Villa he does this but other clubs where he’s been a scout for ,
Just a click bait merchant.
Ong this article is absolute horseshit for clicks I
I’m so happy we avoided this potentially disastrous bullet and opted to sign a forward whose attitude is far more superior.
Although maybe the cold feet concerning Duran has something to do with his value potentially doubling since the initial £40M asked?
I said at the time that his attitude made him a poor choice to buy. Seems I was right.
Paolo Di Canio anyone? Now there was a man with some attitude but by crikey we loved him.
The thing is you just don’t know what you don’t know.
Paulo Dicanio was not touting himself to other English clubs. Whatever his attitude flaws he was always loyal to West Ham and our supporters.
Paolo was and still is a Hammer. I’ve seen every forward player since Geoff Hurst but Paolo is the best, followed closely by Pop Robson