West Ham could have lost a midfielder in the summer windowplaceholder image
West Ham could have lost a midfielder in the summer window | Getty Images
One of West Ham’s players was overlooked when it came to a transfer decision.
One of West Ham’s players was reportedly being tracked during the summer transfer window, and a club chief has now explained why the deal did not progress. The Hammers had an interesting window that ended with a late run of business that saw the likes of Mateus Fernandes, Soungoutou Magassa and Igor Julio snapped up.
Graham Potter has needed new arrivals, and the signings were left until late for one reason or another, but it’s a case of better late than never. The Iron have lost two of their first three games, but they did pick up a big win last time out, thrashing Nottingham Forest last time out to pick up a big confidence boost heading into the international break.
There were some exits along the way, too, including Emerson Palmieri and Nayef Aguerd, and it was thought for some time that Guido Rodriguez would join that group after a less than flattering first season at the club.
Rodriguez was tipped to return to Real Betis, particularly with the Andalusian side requiring a defensive midfielder. But a deal did not come about, and Betis ultimately turned to Fiorentina midfielder and former Manchester United loanee Sofyan Amrabat, who joined on a season-long loan.
Betis director Manu Fajardo explained to Marca: “I’ll use the same example I gave of Antony earlier, or of (Sofyan) Amrabat himself: market information, a player who for various reasons hasn’t fully adapted to the Premier League context.
“In England, you know that if clubs have anything to spare, it’s money; they invest heavily market after market. Guido was a possibility that was there, which was obviously considered, but due to the financial cost, we couldn’t afford to take that step forward, and since we had alternatives prepared at the same level as Guido’s or higher, we’re going for Amrabat.”
Rodriguez hoping for a better season
Rodriguez knows his first season was not up to par, although it is worth pointing out that the Hammers were poor as a collective, and it’s always difficult for individual players to shine in such circumstances.
Speaking during the summer in the midst of West Ham’s US trip, Rodriguez told club media: “I’ve been working hard as always, and the truth is that I feel good. Last year I had arrived very close to the start of the Premier League, and I had not had a pre-season. Pre-seasons are always important, and good to experience, so I’m happy to have been here for the whole thing this time, and I think it’s going to help me on the pitch.
“The first match wasn’t exactly what we were looking for, but I think we did some good things and I know we’re going to continue improving. I am in constant communication with the coach (Graham Potter), and talking to him about what he wants for me, so for now things are positive and heading in the right direction, and we’re looking forward to what’s left to come in the USA.”
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