West Ham United‘s decision to avoid signing Samu Omorodion from Atletico Madrid was a prudent one. The complex ownership structure and potential legal challenges associated with the transfer would have made it a risky proposition for the Hammers.
Dual player ownership is a sticky situation in some countries, particularly England and it’s something West Ham famously had legal issues with when they signed Tevez and Maschereno.
The Spanish striker’s transfer to Porto for a significantly lower fee than West Ham was reportedly willing to pay highlights the complexities of the modern transfer market. While Omorodion may be a talented player, the potential legal hurdles and uncertainties surrounding his ownership made the deal unattractive for West Ham.
The Hammers’ decision to focus on other transfer targets demonstrates their commitment to responsible and sustainable transfer activity. By avoiding risky deals, particularly at a time when football transfers seem to scrutinised more strictly than at any other time.
While the Omorodion deal may have seemed tempting, West Ham’s decision to steer clear of it was ultimately the right one. The club’s priorities lie in securing players who can contribute positively to the team without incurring unnecessary risks.