West Ham United-linked Daniel Ballard sends message to Konstantinos Mavropanos after confirmed transfer news
West Ham United-linked defender Daniel Ballard took to Instagram to send a four-word message to new signing Konstantinos Mavropanos
The Hammers confirmed the signing of the Greek international on Tuesday evening (22 August), their third addition of the summer following deals for Edson Alvarez and James Ward-Prowse.
And taking to his personal Instagram account (22 August), Mavropanos posted himself in West Ham colours following his move, for which Sunderland defender and Mavropanos’ former teammate at Arsenal sent him a four-word message on his account.
The 23-year-old has been linked with the Hammers on several occasions with Belfast Telegraph on 26 June reporting that chief scout Rob Newman watched the defender at Windsor Park in March during Northern Ireland’s 1-0 defeat to Finland.
Ballard’s message to Mavropanos read: “All the best bro.”
West Ham dream
While Ballard may have taken to Instagram to congratulate his former Arsenal teammate on his new move to East London, the Sunderland ace may well have been thinking what might have been had the Irons firmed up their interest.
The former Emirates academy graduate could have been the one announced as a new West Ham United transfer instead of Mavropanos and who knows, the East Londoners could return with a firmer approach in the future.
The 23-year-old featured in 19 Championship games for Sunderland last season, which could well mean a step up to Premier League may come too soon for him, but should he kickstart his development this season, he could be joining Mavropanos as a new Premier League player before long.
Ballard, given his age profile, current ability and stark potential, represents an attractive proposition for any English top-flight club to explore.
And in his 19 games last season, the 23-year-old, dubbed “Outstanding” by his former manager Neil Critchley, did impress considerably, averaging 1.5 tackles, 1.6 interceptions, winning 60% of his ground duels and showcasing his qualities in the air too, winning an impressive 64% of his aerial duels, as per SofaScore.
However, Ballard still has some way to go before he matches the rapid development of his former teammate, because all he can do now is indeed congratulate him on an impressive move for all parties involved. His own time will come, the ball’s in his court.
In other West Ham news, one journalist has shared his verdict on Harry Maguire’s failed move to the Hammers