West Ham United complete ‘bizarre’ Andy Irving transfer
West Ham United have completed the “bizarre” transfer of Klagenfurt midfielder Andy Irving in a deal worth seven figures, according to journalist Barry Anderson.
According to the Edinburgh News journalist (1 September), Irving is set to be loaned back to Klagenfurt to continue playing his football in the Austrian Bundesliga in a “bizarre” transfer development.
Irving’s switch was announced by Kronen Zeitung on Friday [1 September] and later confirmed on the Austrian FA’s website with the Hammers believed to be interested in a potential feeder-club arrangement with the Austrian side Klagenfurt.
Sky Sports Austria also reported on Friday 1 September that Klagenfurt will “receive millions” for Irving, with the Hammers agreeing the deal before the 11pm deadline.
Bizarre indeed
Irving was playing in the German third tier the season before last, making this West Ham United swoop all the more bizarre indeed and this transfer certainly makes fans think what the Irons plans are for the midfielder.
The 23-year-old is yet to be capped by Scotland at senior level and has not once been touted as a target for a big club throughout the summer making this deal a rather strange one.
More light will indeed be shed on what the club’s plans are for Irving but it will be interesting to see how his career develops from this point onwards.
Surprising midfield gems are always welcome in East London and Irving could well turn out to be one of those players after scoring five goals for Klagenfurt in 31 appearances last season.
With the Irons wanting to get involved in a feeder-club arrangement with Klagenfurt, this transfer certainly does make a lot of sense but no judgements can be made until Irving is potentially given a shot at the London Stadium or not.
In other West Ham news, one London Stadium target could cost around £15m as the Hammers make a last-ditch approach to sign another new attacker.