Pundit: David Moyes ‘genuinely wanted’ centre-back in January, unsure West Ham United wanted to spend amid takeover talks
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…
West Ham “genuinely” wanted to sign a centre-back in January but the board didn’t want to spend more money amid a potential takeover, according to Frank McAvennie.
The Hammers splashed £170m on eight new players in the summer, and then added £15m Danny Ings to their forward line during an injury crisis in their attacking department.
But while Craig Dawson left the club for Wolves, no replacement was brought in leaving West Ham short at the back, and McAvennie believes it’s because of the rumoured takeover that could be happening soon.
“I don’t know how the club.. I don’t know if it’s Mr. Sullivan or the board,” he told West Ham Zone.
“Obviously if Mr. Sullivan sells there will be a new board. He’ll be bringing his own people in. I just think, why would you want to spend money if you’re selling up?
“I said this at the start of the season. It’s not a slant on Mr. Sullivan, he’s a businessman. Why would you put £100m into a club when you’re selling it?
“I don’t get it. I’ve not got a problem with it, it’s just at the moment. We’ve gone out and got some players we didn’t need. The money he gave David to spend, we didn’t need and we should’ve spent it on a centre-half.
“I think David wanted, I think he was looking genuinely for a centre half but the ones that he wanted didn’t want to go for whatever reason.
“I hope it gets sorted out soon, because there is a takeover bid. I don’t know how much it’s for, but I hope someone will come in with long arms and just spend money.
“It would be great if they did a Newcastle on West Ham. Buy the stadium. What a result that would be.”