West Ham still to complete ‘sensational’ Andy Irving signing with Klagenfurt partnership deal now likely
West Ham United are set to complete a “sensational” move for Klagenfurt midfielder Andy Irving, with the deal signifying a new partnership with the Hammers and the Austrian outfit, according to the Scottish Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported in their print edition (2 September, pg 103) that the former Hearts man will join West Ham for a “seven-figure deal” before being loaned back to the top-flight Austrian side immediately.
This deal is “likely” to start a new partnership between West Ham and Klagenfurt where players will be loaned “between them to gain experience”. Neither club is yet to announce the deal, but the Austrian FA have “confirmed” the move.
Smart business
Off the back of a 2-1 victory over Luton and an unbeaten start to the Premier League, West Ham fans will feel doubly happy with this news.
The club must see something in the 23-year-old to pay at least a million for him, but the news of this fresh partnership with the Austrian outfit could be exciting.
Sending players out on loan is, of course, beneficial for young players or talent who struggle to get regular game time for their side. With a partnership with Klagenfurt, the Hammers can make this process much more efficient.
Irving himself is the first test in this new experiment. He will be loaned straight back to Klagenfurt, so West Ham fans will have to wait until next season to see their new man in claret and blue.
This tactic is becoming more and more popular among clubs, with Brighton’s and Union SG’s partnership being significant in the development of emerging stars like Kaoru Mitoma. The Hammer’s arrangement with Klagenfurt differs in that they do not share an owner, but the basic ideas and benefits remain.
The Austrian Bundesliga may soon see an influx of players trying to make it in Stratford.
In other West Ham news, Paul Merson has shared his view on a star’s omission from their national side.