West Ham were one of the Premier League’s busiest clubs during the January window.
The arrivals of Axel Disasi strengthened the defence, while two new forwards — Pablo Felipe and Taty Castellanos — were brought in to add firepower.
But in a fresh twist, it has emerged the Hammers’ winter business could have looked very different.
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One prolific striker has now revealed he was expecting to move to the London Stadium — only for the club to hesitate.
David “Thought He Was Joining West Ham”
Promise David. (Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images)
Promise David. (Vincent Kalut / Photonews via Getty Images)
Representatives of Canadian forward Promise David have confirmed that discussions took place over a potential January transfer to West Ham.
The Union Saint-Gilloise striker had been strongly linked with a move before the window opened, with early negotiations laying the groundwork for what appeared to be a straightforward deal.
An agreement in principle had reportedly been reached for a €24m transfer, structured with a clause allowing him to leave for the same fee if the Hammers were relegated.
However, according to those close to the player, West Ham’s delay proved decisive.
“He [David] thought he was joining West Ham. We spoke to them in December but they took too long to decide and then signed other players,” a source told Claret & Hugh. “The manager didn’t think he suited the style, but Promise was confident he would score goals.”
Instead, the Hammers opted for alternative attacking reinforcements — and the opportunity disappeared.
David Deal Finished
Despite speculation that the move could be revisited in the summer, that possibility has now been firmly dismissed.
David, who netted 24 goals in all competitions last season and already has 15 to his name this term, will not be heading to East London.
“He won’t go to West Ham, there are no talks — the story is rubbish,” said the source.
Claret & Hugh were also informed that the striker has attracted interest from several Champions League clubs and is expected to leave Belgium at the end of the campaign.
For West Ham, missing out on a striker with David’s — pun very much intended — promise could yet prove costly. With goals often the difference in a relegation battle, the January hesitation may become one of those sliding-doors moments supporters look back on.