Nuno gets likely answer on Raul Jimenez reunion at West Ham as new update emerges
Nuno Espirito Santo may face disappointment in the summer transfer window as West Ham’s interest in Raul Jimenez could falter.
That is according to Marca, who have now reported that the Fulham striker’s next move could lie away from the Premier League.
Recent reports have suggested Jimenez wanted to stay in England, and the Hammers were mentioned as a possible employer.
The 34-year-old is a proven Premier League striker, and if the Irons are to stay up, he would be an excellent option for next season.
Why West Ham will struggle to sign Raul Jimenez now
With Callum Wilson’s contract expiring in the summer, bringing in another experienced centre-forward would be a shrewd move for West Ham.
Right now, the Hammers have Taty Castellanos and Pablo as younger options, but proven players in the Premier League are indispensable.
Links to Jimenez in that regard made complete sense. The Mexican has previously worked under Nuno and understands what the manager would ask of him.
However, talks of a reunion may have to be put on hold now.
The report by Marca states that “the Saudi Pro League appears to be his most likely destination,” putting a wrench into West Ham’s prospects.
Although a move for Jimenez would be on a free transfer, the E20 outfit may not be able to compete with the wages clubs in the Middle East could offer.
Marca states that offers from Saudi Arabia could be “practically irresistible” to Jimenez.
West Ham will have another striker headache in the summer
While the Hammers may want to sign an experienced striker like Jimenez, they could also find themselves struggling to get rid of one already at the club.
Niclas Fullkrug‘s loan to AC Milan has not borne the success that all parties were hoping for.
At the moment, it seems like the Serie A club will not trigger the option to buy, with the German only scoring once in 11 league matches.
The E20 club could now miss out on a fee reported to be around £11.3million to £12.2m.
With the 33-year-old proving to be a poor signing in both East London and Milan, they could find it tough to get him off the books for a fee anywhere near that sum.
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