Simon Jordan and Neil Lennon react after Felipe Anderson seals West Ham exit
Simon Jordan and Neil Lennon delivered withering verdicts after Felipe Anderson’s West Ham exit was finally confirmed on Friday.
West Ham announced via their official club website on Friday afternoon [12:00 pm, 16/07/21] that the Brazilian winger had left the London Stadium to re-join Lazio on a permanent deal.
Speaking on talkSPORT after host Jim White announced the news, former Crystal Palace chairman Jordan and ex-Celtic boss Lennon gave their analysis of the 28-year-old’s time in east London.
Jordan exclaimed: “£40million he cost West Ham.”
Lennon replied: “Yeah it’s an extortionate amount of money, he looked like a talented player but I don’t think he could get to the pace and physicality of the game.”
Jordan: “Lightweight.”
Wasted potential
It’s hard to disagree with the assessments from Jordan and Anderson.
After arriving at West Ham to much fanfare the Brazilian produced a stunning first season at the club, scoring nine Premier League goals and cementing himself as one of the Premier League most creative talents.
However, the goals and assists dried up in the second season and he notched only one league goal.
That proved to be his last as in his third season contracted to the club he was shipped out on loan to Portuguese giants Porto, where he continued to underachieve expectations and found himself on the periphery of the action there as well.
A permanent exit seemed inevitable this summer, as long as we could find someone to take him.
We have, but at some cost, with Sky Sports claiming the club will collect just £2.6million, plus a 50% sell-on clause, for someone who cost at least £36million.
In other West Ham news, a pundit has shared this 2024 Irons prediction after admission from David Moyes.
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