McAvennie slams West Ham over last-gasp failed Zapata deal
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie has slammed West Ham for leaving it so late in the January transfer window to make a bid for Atalanta striker Duvan Zapata.
The Athletic reported on 1 February that the Irons made a bid to sign Zapata, 30, on loan, with a £4million loan fee and an option to buy clause included in the deal.
It is understood that Atalanta accepted the bid and a deal sheet was submitted to the Premier League. However, the deal was left until such a late point in January that time constraints stopped the transfer from being completed.
McAvennie is frustrated by West Ham’s lack of business in January and is also annoyed by them leaving it until such a late stage in the month to make a move for Zapata.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “Why? They’ve had all that time.
“Good teams get it done, big teams get their business done and cross the line. Liverpool made one signing, didn’t they?
“Sometimes if you have the money, you get the boys that you want.
“There were some good signings in January – great signings, to be honest with you. But just not at West Ham.”
West Ham’s form has started to falter as of late with David Moyes’ side dropping out of the Premier League top-four and struggling to beat National League North side Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup.
That 2-1 win at Aggborough showed just how bad Moyes’ options are outside of his regular starting line-up and also highlighted just how big a mistake it was to not strengthen in January.
In other West Ham news, Tom Davis has blasted this “embarrassment” for his woeful performance against Kidderminster.