Claret & Hugh West Ham Exclusive
In somewhat embarrassing — but sadly familiar — news, it has emerged that West Ham rejected the chance to sign their top January striker target last summer.
As most fans know, a new forward is a major transfer priority for Nuno Espírito Santo, who could hardly believe the lack of striking options he found upon arriving at the London Stadium.
One of West Ham’s key scouting targets has been Canadian international Promise David.
Yesterday, C&H exclusively revealed via a source close to the player that the Hammers’ chances of landing David in January are “virtually non-existent,” with the probability put at just 1%.
While West Ham tracked the striker closely, Union Saint-Gilloise have made it clear they will not agree to a loan deal — and David himself has no interest in swapping Champions League football for a relegation scrap.
West Ham Passed on David for a Fraction of the Price
Claret & Hugh can now reveal that West Ham had the opportunity to sign Promise David in the summer for a fraction of what he would now cost. For reasons that remain unclear — though the unofficial club spin claims Graham Potter “didn’t want a striker” — the chance to secure David was turned down.
And, in a painfully ironic twist, another of West Ham’s current striker targets, Ivan Toney, was also offered to the club during his Peterborough days for just over £3 million.
Ouch.
Not to mention Brian Brobbey. Not exactly setting the league alight but he would be quite good for us now.
Yes, it all shows how incompetent the club’s player (and coach) transfer activity has been over the years. Then again, as the saying goes, it’s easy to be wise after the event. However I think we all agree that David Sullivan has been the common denominator in the way things are run, good or bad.
Yes there is a long list of striker signings or decent players in the last few years.
Gayokeres (17m Cov) with Moyes vetoed, the Lad that went from City so Athl was his to vetoe before he went to City and that was around 5m
But they forked out 27 million on an injury prone 31 year old. Madness.
That’s w ham for you same thing going to happen when we sell our Brazilian kid
If only, if only, Gonzo. For every Toney there were 30 others touted at the same time. And that was just from Barry Fry!
Interesting to see what we may have missed but that doesn’t make any of it embarrassing.
Lack of interest on the field is embarrassing.
Looking better these last few games but still a way to go. Ever hopeful. COYI
But on the plus side we didn’t have to put up with these players trying to force their way out after a short period with us or in Toneys case get banned for betting and then after the club supported him and paid his wages during his ban decide to go and chase the big bucks in Saudi Arabia.