LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 27: A general view inside the stadium as Neal Maupay of Brighton & Hove Albion scores their team's first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Brighton & Hove Albion at London Stadium on December 27, 2020 in London, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
According to Hammers News, West Ham was so flush with cash at the end of the window that they were unable to pursue Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.
On September 28, the news outlet published a story citing a senior source close to the club’s owners as saying that the London team’s finances dried up after they signed Niclas Fullkrug and Luis Guilherme.
This comes after Fabrizio Romano said that Villa turned down an offer from the Irons for £43 million plus a cut of any future sales.
The senior contact close to the owners told Hammers News overnight that “we had no money left at the end as we bought the Brazilian winger (Luis Guilherme) and German striker instead of Duran.”
Now, at West Ham, Julen Lopetegui needs to get the most out of Niclas Fullkrug.
Duran, with his youth, pace and versatility across the front line, might have provided the Hammers with a more dynamic and long-term alternative up front than Fullkrug.
The Colombian’s growth potential and his ability to influence games for Villa off the bench—as evidenced by his performance against the Irons—could have made him a valuable long-term asset with a high ceiling.
But given the financial limitations imposed by the current FFP/PSR regulations, West Ham’s choice to go for Fullkrug, a more seasoned striker, is indicative of a plan that prioritizes impact above potential.
The Germany international adds a new element to the team—clinical finishing and hold-up play—because of his experience, particularly in high-pressure settings like the Bundesliga and the international arena.
Julen Lopetegui has the responsibility to make him perform now, as he would have approved the trade during the summer.
I’m hoping he can still play at his peak for a few more years and provide the Irons with what they need in the closing third.
