They say ‘never go back’ in football but could circumstances dictate that Marko Arnautovic joins David Moyes in disproving that theory at West Ham.
There is a common belief in football that a player or manager should not return to a club after they have left, particularly if they left under less-than-ideal circumstances.
David Moyes came back for a second spell with the Hammers after being ruthlessly discarded following a six-month stint where he kept the club in the Premier League.
Moyes came back and the rest is history, with West Ham enjoying some of their best years for over four decades.
Now a former player Moyes got the best out of could be a strong shout to follow in his footsteps.
West Ham on hunt for two new strikers
West Ham are desperately looking to sign new strikers as part of Graham Potter’s rebuild.
Danny Ings has been released, Evan Ferguson has been sent back to Brighton after a disastrous loan and both Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug face uncertain futures.
Young 19-year-old Celtic striker Daniel Cummings is joining West Ham on July 1 on a free transfer.
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But Potter is looking for at least one, if not two, other forwards this summer transfer window.
The Hammers have no money for signings until sales are made.
So the free agent market is very appealing to majority owner David Sullivan, the club’s de facto director of football.
Photo by Domenic Aquilina/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Domenic Aquilina/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Sullivan is back in ultimate control of West Ham’s transfers.
Head of recruitment Kyle Macaulay and Potter have their list of targets.
By Potter’s admission, the majority of the names on that list are a younger profile of player who can grow with the club and have future resale value.
One player who doesn’t tick that box is Marko Arnautovic.
But the firebrand former Hammers favourite might just be the right man at the right time for a spectacular return to east London.
One last dance for West Ham and Arnautovic after his shock announcement?
Last dance for West Ham and Arnautovic after announcement?
That’s the question being asked as the cash-strapped Hammers desperately search for new forwards.
Because Fabrizio Romano claims Arnie – as he was affectionately known by Hammers fans – has announced he is going to be a free agent after deciding to leave Inter Milan.
“I am leaving Inter as free agent. I won’t be part of their squad anymore,” Arnautovic has stated according to Romano.
Arnautovic became a huge fan favourite at West Ham, scoring 22 goals in 65 games.
It was all too short lived, though, as a mega money move to China wrecked the Hammers love affair with the maverick forward just as he’d started to hit his peak.
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images
In truth West Ham have failed to replace Arnautovic ever since he left east London.
His combination of strength, power, pace, skill and finishing – along with his fiery, maverick personality and ability to produce the spectacular has not been seen since in claret and blue.
Nowadays that kind of player would cost upwards of £65m – just look at Jhon Duran.
Arnautovic has actually been linked with a return to West Ham on several occasions since.
But he has been playing over in Serie A for the last five seasons, scoring 40 goals – including some trademark stunners such as his insane volley against Lazio, which you can enjoy below.
Can West Ham afford to turn noses up at Arnautovic?
At 36 it may seem highly unlikely Potter would want to take Arnautovic back at West Ham.
It certainly wouldn’t fit with his stated recruitment policy.
But sometimes needs must and beggars can’t be choosers.
With Sullivan in charge of transfers, bringing a player of Arnautovic’s talent, experience and class back to West Ham on a free transfer may prove tempting.
Especially if it is to be a back-up forward for another top striker signing.
Stranger things have happened.
And if West Ham mix in the odd veteran like Arnautovic with a core of young, hungry stars then would it necessarily be the wrong move?
A one-year deal as a support striker could be quite the ride.