West Ham United’s summer transfer window was a gamble that is now backfiring spectacularly.
The Hammers knew they needed a striker to take the mantle from Michail Antonio after his mediocre 2023/24 season.
The Hammers scoured the market and signed injury-prone 31-year-old Niclas Fullkrug, who delivered a measly 12 goals in 31 Bundesliga outings last term.
Unsurprisingly, Fullkrug has spent most of his time on the sidelines. He has not started a Premier League game this season, with his three league appearances for the club coming from the bench, leaving Antonio to lead the line.
West Ham’s front office must regret their decision not to move for other targets, considering how the Fullkrug situation has played out.
Aston Villa marksman Jhon Duran was top of their wishlist. The 20-year-old was looking for a new stomping ground where he would be the first-choice centre-forward.
The London Stadium could have been the perfect home for him, but the club missed out due to their short-sightedness.
Antonio has managed one goal and four big chances missed in the Premier League, while Fullkrug is yet to open his account for the club, but Duran has been sensational for the Villains.
The Colombian has scored four goals in the league, all from the bench. He has scored twice in the Champions League and twice in the League Cup from three starts.
Any hopes fans harboured of signing him in the January transfer window after he became disillusioned with Villa due to lack of playing time dissipated when he signed a new contract with the Birmingham-based club.
Immediately after, journalists started quoting figures as high as £80 million for Duran, effectively ruling West Ham out of the race.
As West Ham struggle in the Premier League, the consequences of their misguided transfer strategy are becoming increasingly apparent.
The Fullkrug gamble has been a costly mistake, and the missed opportunity to sign Duran is a bitter pill to swallow.
