Another opportunity gone begging or a below-par player avoided: All depends upon your viewpoint but either way it seems there is another striker to be ticked off the ‘West Ham United watchlist”.
At £25 million this was never a bargain or a ‘ low-cost gamble’: Hamza Igamane had been touted as the next best young thing. Rangers’ young forward with an eye for goal, over which several cubs including the Hammers, Everton and French side Lille had reportedly cast their eyes, appears to have agreed a move.
According to Everton.news it would seem the Hammers have either chosen not to get involved or been beaten to the forward’s signature:
“But, it’s Lille who are now set to win the race to land Igamane’s signature, as they’ve reached a verbal agreement with the 23-year-old.”
There were doubts as to whether Igamane was ready for the step up to the Premier League. If the sale to Lille does go ahead then the proof will be in his results in the next couple of years. If he suddenly re-appears in the Premier League, two years down the line, as another £50 million-plus signing then WestHam will see him as another Victor Gyokeres opportunity gone begging.
Igamane was always seen as something of a gamble owing to his lack of success at the top level: West Ham had scouted him and were reportedly close to putting in a bid just 10 days ago. Perhaps ‘walking away’ (or missing out) was a wise decision – depending on who the Irons do finally capture as Michail Antonio’s eventual heir.
Until the ink is dry and the Hammers’ new frontman pictured in the shirt, let judgement on ‘missing out’ on Hamza Igamane be reserved.
Come on Martin stop the smoke and mirrors and let’s face the truth. Sulivan wants run with what we have and risk relegation hoping he will have more money next season. I suspect most of the players we are said to have interest in are just a general chat without any real deal looked at. Until he’s gone the club will have no money to spend but God knows where it all goes compared to other clubs.