West Ham stood in the way of a significant piece of business for Liverpool last summer, and now it looks like it was all for nothing.
The Hammers are a contender for surprise of the season, but not for the right reasons.
Nuno Espirito Santo has struggled since taking the reins in East London, with his side five points from safety in the Premier League standings.
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The recent development coming from West Ham is that they are planning to cut a loan move short. Sounds inconsequential from a Liverpool perspective, until you find out who it is.
Manchester City v West Ham United - Premier League
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West Ham to give up on Igor Julio after he spoiled Marc Guehi’s Liverpool move
Before Man City swooped in for Guehi this month, he was widely tipped to join Liverpool.
They came painfully close to getting the deal over the line last summer, but Crystal Palace lost out on Igor Julio to West Ham, leaving no replacement for Guehi with just hours left until the deadline.
We all know the rest. The Palace captain was lured to the Etihad with a monster wage package.
Who should be Liverpool’s top centre-back target after missing out on Marc Guehi?
Micky van de Ven pictured during Tottenham Hotspurs' Premier League match against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej).
Alessandro Bastoni warms up ahead of the Serie A match between Inter Milan and Torino at San Siro Stadium (Credit: Getty Images/Marco Luzzani).
Photo Credit: Getty Images/Sebastian Frej/Marco Luzzani
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Now though, it looks like West Ham will be calling it quits on Igor.
Football London have claimed West Ham are ‘ready to explore’ termination of the Brazilian’s loan, looking to free up space for Axel Disasi and Antonin Kinsky. They clarify that Guehi’s move to Liverpool would have gone through if Igor’s destination hadn’t changed so late on.
Considering this has left Liverpool one centre-back short this season, it’s understandable that the club would be less than pleased with hearing that it was basically all for nothing.
Igor Julio’s Brighton return could signal an opportunity for Liverpool
Brighton obviously weren’t thrilled with Igor, based off their decision to let him leave.
If he can impress upon his return, though, it might help Liverpool convince the Seagulls to let Jan Paul van Hecke leave.
Liverpool have held interest in Van Hecke since the summer, and he fits the mould of a potential long-term replacement for fellow countryman Virgil van Dijk.
How do you think Liverpool should handle the contract situations of Konate, Van Dijk, and Gomez?
Van Dijk (2027), Gomez (2027) and Konate (2026) are all out of contract soon!
Virgil van Dijk applauds supporters after Liverpool's Premier League match against Sunderland at Anfield.
Credit: Liverpool FC/Getty Images
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The Brighton star is one of the best ball-progressors in the Premier League, and luring him to Anfield would be a huge part of Liverpool’s defensive rebuild.
We have a right to be annoyed with the Igor situation, but if his return can push Van Hecke closer to the door at the AmEx, that would go some way to making amends.
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