THE failure to land a centre back this transfer window has gone from a concern to a full-blown crisis with the impending ban expected by Jean Clair Todibo, despite the defender’s social media contrition this morning.
Three games – possibly more – without the clubs in form defender means returning to the wobbly pairing of Kilman and Mavropanos. Which probably explains the club’s reported efforts last week to sign first Axel Disase and the failed £12 million bid for Taylor Harwood Bellis.
Fresh from Spain via fichajes.com come reports that the Hammers have offered a three million euro loan fee with a thirty three million option to Real Betis for Brazilian defender Natan.
“*West Ham United has been the club that has stepped forward with a formal offer. The proposed formula was a transfer with an obligation to purchase.*
Real Betis’ centre back Natan
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The proposal included three million immediately and a subsequent payment of 33 million. In total, 36 million for Natan. A relevant amount, but insufficient for Real Betis, which strongly rejected it by not reflecting the real value of the footballer.”
Whether the Hammers will throw enough money at the Spanish side to tempt them to part company with their first team regular is largely down to maths: Will the board decide that £30-odd million is a likely price worth paying to keep the Irons in the Premier league- if it isn’t already too late?
Chucking a big enough salary at the player – as is the Hammers’ methodology – will probably tempt him for the rest of the season but experience suggests blowing another£30 million-plus on the day before deadline day is just not the West Ham Way. Seeking out a Championship cheapie is much more Sullivan’s style. Sadly.