West Ham United have saved millions after new Jhon Duran update
West Ham United have welcomed a plethora of names to their ranks since the summer transfer window opened.
After finishing in ninth place last season, it was clear that the Hammers needed vast improvements in order to make a charge for European football.
There’s no doubt that after welcoming the likes of Max Kilman and German talisman Niclas Fullkrug [WHUFC.com, 6 August] to their ranks they have managed to do this.
Centre-back and striker were two key areas that needed improvement in the Hammers’ squad.
Further additions to the centre-back role could be made throughout the window, especially after what was reported by Sean Whetstone on 7 August.
With the addition of Fullkrug, however, it’s unlikely that any more number nines will be brought to the London Stadium before 30 August.
This now seems all but confirmed after what journalist Pipe Sierra reported on 7 August as Aston Villa have seemingly pulled a U-Turn and now wants to keep Duran.
From the Villans doing this, however, it seems as if the club have managed to save around £5million as Unai Emery is now looking for a fee in the region of £40m to pry the Colombia international away rather than the £35m that was agreed upon [The Guardian, 27 July].
Considering it cost a reported £27m to sign Fullkrug, they could have made an even more substantial saving (BBC Sport).
West Ham United no longer need Jhon Duran
Although Sierra doesn’t mention the transfer of Fullkrug as a factor in the Duran to West Ham move not being sanctioned, this is likely one of the key reasons why talks stalled.
The two players are both natural number nines and it wouldn’t make sense for Julen Lopetegui to invest heavily into two attackers when other areas of the pitch need bolstering.
Duran’s transfer was an exciting prospect to many Hammers fans due to his age and his playing ability.
He didn’t get much of a chance for Villa last term because of the stellar form of Ollie Watkins but now Emery has seemingly chosen to keep the youngster, things could change during 2024/25.
The Colombia international’s move would have certainly made for an exciting project for the club but the fact of the matter is that not only has Lopetegui saved millions on the transfer of Duran but he has also signed a proven goalscorer (which is exactly what the need) for a far cheaper fee.
Given Duran only has five Premier League goals to his name, the Hammers would have been paying for potential not a proven goalscorer – they might just have had a lucky escape.
In other West Ham news, Hammers target Youssouf Fofana has had his priority transfer shared.
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