Why West Ham were right in not signing Michy Batshuayi
West Ham United have managed to keep Marko Arnautovic at the London stadium and scratch away any itch of a move to China he had. They also got him to sign a contract extension, which effectively adds to the burden of any club wanting to sign him over the summer. (BBC)
However, on his triumphant return back to action against Wolves, the 29-year-old had to be withdrawn with fifteen minutes left on the clock and many fearing that it could be a long-term issue. (BBC)
This combined with the fact that Javier Hernandez is not the answer to their striking problems had caused the Hammers to re-enter the transfer market. The Daily Mail had reported that Michy Batshuayi and Olivier Giroud were their top targets, along with a hopeful move in the summer for Celta Vigo’s Maxi Gomez.
However, the Chelsa’s Belgian star that was their main target, especially with Andy Carroll not getting any younger and Hernandez struggling to find his feet, let alone scoring goals. However, Batshuayi has struggled to put the ball at the back of the net as well.
The 25-year-old has only managed to score a paltry three goals in 23 appearances for Valencia, part of the reason why they cut his loan stay short. Either way, for either West Ham or Batshuayi a move before the deadline made no sense. Given the 25-year-old’s struggles with game time, there is no chance, he could have moved to a club who already have three options up there.
Instead, with Everton also in the race, there is a better chance that Marco Silva and company could have got the Belgian to commit to a long-term deal. The Toffees have been using Richarlison as a false nine but the Brazilian’s favoured position is on the left wing. For that reason, they needed a player who can lead the line and also score goals. But Batshuayi isn’t exactly a type of player who would fit into the Silva system.
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Hence, it is fantastic from the player’s point of view that he didn’t sign for West Ham and joined Crystal Palace instead. It is better playing a significant role at Selhurst Park, rather than playing second fiddle to Arnautovic at the London Stadium. The Belgian will have more opportunities to prove himself under Roy Hodgson, who has a habit of taking the best out of young players.
