By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Having pored over the last two days of West Ham footage and photos following the players’ return to Rush Green for pre-season training, there are more than a few who are conspicuous by their absence.
Of course, anybody involved in the World Cup has understandably been given extra time off to recuperate and enjoy a bit of family time before reporting for duty.
But there are others, such as Maxwel Cornet, who have not had the busiest couple of months since the end of the season and could not be seen in the Hammers’ officially published content on WHUFC.com.
Cornet Was Back At Rush Green
However, having checked with sources, Claret & Hugh can confirm that the Ivory Coast international did indeed return to training alongside his fellow Hammers on Monday.
The 29-year-old featured only irregularly whilst on loan at Genoa last season and has one year remaining on his West Ham contract.
It would be fair to say he has done little since his £17 million transfer to the club, although I do wonder if he is one of those players who could provide decent cover in the Championship.
A Fresh Start Under Nuno?
Cornet, on his day, is a very capable footballer.
He can play on either wing, has been deployed at left wing-back and has even been used as a forward on occasion.
In truth, his West Ham career probably hinged on a sliding doors moment when his goal against Chelsea was incorrectly ruled out, something which could easily have proved a turning point.
This will undoubtedly be Nuno Espírito Santo’s first opportunity to work with the winger, and hopefully Cornet can give his new boss something to think about.
After all, we’re highly unlikely to receive any meaningful offer for him, so his true value may well lie in being part of a squad looking to secure promotion back to the Premier League.
I agree with your closing statement Gonzo. But if Cornet remains we’d need cover for him, latter day Keiron Dyer syndrome, sighs….