By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Nils Koppen has revealed the extraordinary transfer demand Divine Mukasa made before returning to West Ham this summer.
Fortunately, it’s one Hammers supporters will be very happy about.
Speaking during an extensive Iron Cast interview with West Ham, the club’s Director of Player Recruitment revealed that the 18-year-old made it absolutely clear during discussions over his loan return from Manchester City that there was only one destination he was interested in.
“The only club I want to come to is West Ham,” Mukasa told them, according to Koppen.
Mukasa was “desperate” to return
Koppen described Mukasa as “a boy that was desperate to come back” and revealed just how strongly the midfielder pushed for his return to the club.
The recruitment chief also spoke glowingly about Mukasa’s maturity, personality and desire, describing him as an “amazing talent” and saying that his first day back at West Ham felt like “coming home”.
Perhaps most interestingly, Koppen admitted that Mukasa’s development has happened even quicker than both West Ham and Manchester City had anticipated.
He also highlighted the physical development of a player who is now capable of covering around 12km during a game, alongside the technical ability and two-footedness which have already been obvious this season.
Koppen was delighted to sign Mukasa
One thing doesn’t quite fit
I have to admit, I am slightly confused by this revelation, but it’s not the first time I have heard the story.
It has already been relayed by several people that it was Mukasa’s desire to choose only West Ham, which begs the obvious question: why did he want to leave so much in the first place?
I think that’s the only thing that doesn’t fit for me here.
As for the player himself, I absolutely love him. I think he’s brilliant.
I think the way Koppen revealed that he’d progressed more quickly than both West Ham and Manchester City had expected is testament to how good a player Mukasa is.
Obviously I’m delighted that he wanted to return to West Ham and, knowing his history with the club from a young child, armed with that knowledge, it’s not surprising that he seemed to be the only player in the first half against Millwall who really understood he was in the dogfight of a local derby.
Quite what happens beyond this season remains another matter, particularly with West Ham’s hopes of eventually signing Mukasa permanently potentially becoming more complicated.
Why did he leave us ?…… surely because he felt / was convinced by others that he would become a better player under City’s guidance
Why was West Ham his only choice ….. he would know at this stage of his carrier, he’s not going to play at City, so would need to go out on loan, and where best but to come to somewhere he can feel at home
Coming here this season has been good for Musaka and West Ham, but also ultimately City too, and surely his next stage is to have a season on loan with a Premiership team and for 28/29, a year on loan with a Premiership side in Europe.
Hopefully West Ham will be able to provide City amd Musaka with those two opportunities
Of course, will Manchester City as it is currently known be in existence in 12 months time ? Or will the owners have allowed that club to go bust rather than pay fines and compensation. If so Musaka will surely be a free agent and West Ham need to make themselves Musaka’s only choice