Well, it was fun while it lasted—but it now appears the rumours linking West Ham with a move for Douglas Luiz have been firmly refuted.
Like many Hammers fans, I woke up to heartening reports from a reliable Italian source claiming a deal for the former Aston Villa midfielder was close. Luiz is a top-class player—composed, creative, and exactly the kind of signing our midfield desperately needs.
Unfortunately, Hammers News has since received an update from a club spokesman, who issued a brief but crushing statement: “Not true.”
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Disappointing? Absolutely. Though in truth, I’m not sure too many West Ham fans allowed themselves to get overly excited. The club’s track record in this window has done little to inspire confidence, and this latest denial comes on the same day Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Ardon Jashari turned down a move to London Stadium in favour of AC Milan.
Add that to missing out on Habib Diarra earlier in the month, and the midfield rebuild is looking more like Old Mother Hubbard has taken over from Tim Steidten.
Even just a glimmer of hope that something—anything—is happening in the transfer market would go a long way. But with rejection after rejection, and zero deals over the line, fans are being left frustrated.
The squad is crying out for energy and creativity in midfield. So far, the only thing arriving at Rush Green is disappointment.