After making a number of signings in the summer, West Ham have probably not had the start to the 2024/25 season that many people were hoping for.
The Irons currently sit in 14th place after winning just one of their four games so far, and the finger is already being pointed at new manager Julen Lopetegui as he has continued to rely on proven players rather than throwing their new signings. in the deep end.
For example, Niclas Fullkrug has struggled to dislodge Michail Antonio from a starting spot, and that either says the Germany international isn’t good enough, or the Hammers’ hierarchy have done a huge stunt in the transfer market.
The latter scenario certainly applies when reflecting on how they let Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran slip through their fingers.
With three goals to his name already this season (for transfer market) the Colombian has started the campaign on fire, making the Hammers look very silly in the process.
West Ham criticized the failure of Duran’s transfer
Former Everton general manager Keith Wyness has also pulled no punches.
“I have spoken to many people about Duran“, he said Football Insider’s Inside Track Podcast.
“He has been inconsistent during his time at the club so far.
“A lot of Villa fans wanted him out the door. But look, he’s shown the talent is there, there’s no doubt about it. Now it’s all about consistency and showing he has to get the minutes.
“Villa are lucky that between him and Watkins they have real competition. Duran is making clubs want to make a move in the summer, he was offered to several clubs.
“West Ham will kick themselves. No harm has been done with the start of this season.”
Duran was even pictured on social media making the ‘Hammers and Crosses’ gesture earlier this summer when he looked set to join the East London outfit, only for the club to fail to pay the asking price.
Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has scored three goals in four games, including a screeching winner today since the Hammers’ photo crossed social media. pic.twitter.com/l7zBfAx6t6
— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) September 14, 2024
Considering he is one of the hottest properties in the league at the moment, if things don’t improve for West Ham up front, serious questions will be asked.
Top photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images
