West Ham United stance on Ivan Toney emerges in new Niclas Fullkrug admission
West Ham should have signed Ivan Toney for £50million instead of Niclas Fullkrug this summer, Frank McAvennie has said.
The Hammers splashed £27million to bring their new striker to the London Stadium [BBC], though he picked up an injury while away with Germany during the international break.
Ivan Toney also emerged as a potential signing during the summer transfer window [The Sun], until he secured a £40million move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli [BBC Sport].
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, McAvennie said: “I wanted Ivan Toney. £50million, there’s your money, done.
“I think he would’ve been great for West Ham but he’s gone off for the big bucks in Saudi Arabia instead. He should’ve been signed instead of Fullkrug.“
Should West Ham United have signed Ivan Toney over Niclas Fullkrug?
Many fans will be of the same opinion that Lopetegui should have pushed to sign the former Brentford striker, but he will have to play to Fullkrug’s strengths instead.
Despite their similar statures, they have very different playing styles, and many fans will feel that the extra money would have been worth it to bring Toney to the club this summer.
While the 28-year-old has been criticised for his move to the Middle East, with money being seen as the main motivator, there is no denying how talented a striker he is.
Before earning his move to the Gtech Community Stadium, Toney netted 49 times in 94 appearances for Peterborough United, then scored 72 goals in 141 games for the Bees.
Toney did not come without his issues, being handed an eight-month ban for betting breaches, but he was a proven goalscorer in the division, netting 36 times in the Premier League.
Of course, it is far too early to judge Fullkrug’s career in East London, having suffered a frustrating setback during the international break, but some doubts are starting to show over the new signing.
In other West Ham news, Julen Lopetegui was clearly right to drop one of his stars after a 0% substitute appearance v Fulham.
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