The complexities of professional football are encapsulated beautifully in this story of a [Hammers’](https://www.claretandhugh.info/diangana-left-out-in-the-cold-as-slav-comes-under-pressure/) youngster destined for the big time – for whom everything went south – only to find he’s on the verge of returning to Premier league once again. Another example of ‘failing upwards’ or just the never ending optimism of football recruitment teams who look to steal an edge on opponents? It seems, however tried and found wanting players have been in the past, there is always, seemingly, another coach who’ll take a punt.
Such is the story for West Ham’s former ‘wonderkid’ Grady Diangana. The furore when he was sold in 2020 divided fans and players alike: Mark Noble took to his own social media account and took a pretty big swipe at the Hammers’ board for selling Diangana. “_As captain of this football club I’m gutted, angry and sad that Grady has left, great kid with a great future,”_
West Ham clearly didn’t think he had a future and took the £18 million on offer from the Baggies. Fast forward five years and Diangana has been released by West Brom out of contract after 202 games and 26 goals. Which would seem to justify West Hams decision to sell him: He’s never quite delivered on his young star potential.
But in news reported by [_yorkshirepost.co.uk_](https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united-wolves-linked-grady-diangana-free-agent-west-brom-exit-5139593) it seems Diangana could be headed back -to the Premier League:
_“Both Leeds and Wolverhampton Wanderers have been credited with interest in Diangana, who first arrived at The Hawthorns in 2019_.” and even back as far as April, Leeds were reported in preparation for Diangana’s exit – _“Grady Diangana transfer talks held as Leeds United start preparations”_ trumpeted the _motleedsnews.com._
It would be brilliant to see a former Hammer make it after so many set backs: Just so long as he doesn’t score against the Irons next season. Which is kind of nailed – on guaranteed.