3 strikers are missing for a longer period of time
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Around 67 million euros in transfer fee – West Ham United have never spent so much on a new signing and Aston Villa have received it for the first time in the club’s history. Jhon Durán could break the Hammers’ record this January – if it weren’t for the Villans’ absolute desire to keep the 21-year-old striker. Like in summer.
According to The Athletic, West Ham have submitted an offer of this size to their Premier League rivals. Since the 2019/20 season, Sébastien Haller (30), who came from Frankfurt, has held the London transfer record with 50 million euros. However, the portal as well as Fabrizio Romano report that the Champions League participant from Birmingham is still not interested in giving up Durán.
At a glance: West Ham’s record arrivals / Villa’s record departures
West Ham had already cut their teeth on Durán in the summer. A transfer fee, a player in return (Lewis Orford) and a share in the resale were not enough to convince Aston Villa to sell (see article). In October, coach Unai Emery’s club set another example by retaining the Colombian international until 2030.
Durán moved from Chicago Fire to Aston Villa in January 2023 for 16.64 million euros. Since then he has scored 20 goals in 76 competitive games and increased his market value to 40 million euros. This makes him the fourth most valuable center forward in the world aged up to 21 years.
Füllkrug & Co.: West Ham are missing 3 strikers longer
West Ham have an urgent need in attack. With Michail Antonio (33, broken leg after a car accident) and Niclas Füllkrug (31, thigh injury), two nines and Jarrod Bowen (28, foot injury) a winger – and captain – are out for the long term. Danny Ings (32) is currently the only trained center forward in the squad; Mohammed Kudus (24) recently played there on a temporary basis.
