Before West Ham pivoted and agreed – just in the nick of time – to sign Chelsea’s Axel Disasi in their last – minute deadline day loan deal, the recruitment department had lined up an alternative centre back signing until Nuno Espírito Santo intervened and quashed negotiations which might have led to his transfer.
First impressions after the Burnley result would suggest his instincts to go for the experienced Disasi in a short- term quick fix may well prove sound.
However as sportsboom.co.uk report today, West Ham were advanced in negotiations for Arouna Sangante in the last few days of the window before Nuno’s 11th hour ‘U’ turn:
“Exclusive: West Ham Missed Out — Now Five Clubs Are Battling for Le Havre Captain Arouna Sangante:
“During the final week of the winter transfer window, West Ham United reached an advanced stage in negotiations, agreeing on personal terms with the player. However, the move was halted at the eleventh hour by head coach Nuno Espirito Santo, who prioritised an experienced, Premier League-proven profile for the club’s survival battle.”
Details of the about-face taken by Nuno are revealed by the sports site, who claim several other clubs could gain from West Ham’s last minute change of heart:
“West Ham is far from the only suitor. Leeds United, Brentford, and Brighton & Hove Albion are leading the English contingent monitoring the defender.
Sangante – last minute Nuno ‘U’ turn stopped a deal to buy the centre back.
Meanwhile, in Germany, Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig, and Borussia Mönchengladbach have compiled extensive scouting dossiers, highlighting his seamless fit for the Bundesliga’s high-intensity style.”
After a first look at Disasi (who Nuno preferred) it looks as if Espirito Santo’s call was the right choice for West Ham.
Whether Disasi’s fitness and match-sharpness stands up to the sterner test which Manchester United will offer tonight remains to be seen.
Sangante as a long term signing could have been a great asset who would have been on an upward trajectory but clearly Nuno’s sole priority was to graft in a defender who could keep the Hammers in the top tier this season.
And on first impressions, he seems to have made the right call.
Did Sullivan actually make an acceptable offer?
I very much doubt it, we probably needed 2 CBs at that point.
“And on first impressions, he seems to have made the right call.”
So delightful to read comments like this one, Martin. Keep up the good news.
Disasi’s debut was against probably the most limited attacking by side in the Premier League. Let’s not eulogise him just yet, sterner tests are ahead
I seriously do not believe that Nuno is calling the shots regarding who we buy or sell. This has the whiff of Sullivan and Brady putting out propaganda it could possibly turn out to be one of their better decisions but will be more by luck than judgement and due to their tightfistedness