Paolo Bruno /.
West Ham United could have saved a lot of time, and a lot of money, if they had passed the deal in 2013.
We all know how close Raúl Jiménez came to joining the Hammers now.
But the story of West Ham’s long-standing interest in Duvan Zapata deserves to be told again, especially with EuroSport stating that David Moyes’ wide search for strikers has the London giants once again pining for an old love.
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In July 2013, Zapata was a little-known 22-year-old who was practicing his trade in South America for Estudiantes.
At the time, The Guardian reported that West Ham was closing in on what would have been a nifty £ 6.8 million deal, beating Borussia Dortmund with the signing of slim center forward Sam Allardyce seen as an ideal partner for Andy Carroll. .
That was, of course, until the deal reached caps.
West Ham was, according to the Mirror, “quietly confident” that they would complete the signing of Zapata, a player who had impressed his scouts with his frenetic pace and physical prowess.
However, the lack of a required work permit soon dashed those hopes and, five weeks later, Zapata was featured at Napoli.
Tony Marshall / .
Now 30 years old and with 18 caps for Colombia under his belt, West Ham won’t have to worry about work permit issues this time as they reflect on another approach for Zapata, eight years after the first.
However, the Hammers will have other obstacles blocking their way.
Especially since Atalanta, second in Serie A after the typical and captivating 5-2 beating over Parma, looks set to play the Champions League next season.
Meanwhile, La Dea is expected to demand around £ 50 million for an explosive number nine who has scored 65 goals in nearly three seasons, including 18 this period.
In short, West Ham would have to invest a club record fee on a player who, having turned 30 in April, may have already passed his peak.
If only it was 2013 again. I wish Zapata was still worth £ 6.8 million. If only England’s work permit restrictions weren’t so strict. If only…
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop /.
In other news, Report: Arsenal now looking to sign ‘amazing’ player Paul Pogba thinks is brilliant
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