Reports that West Ham could capitalise on Aston Villa’s decision to sell Jhon Duran for €60M next month are unfounded and wrong on every level.
The Hammers came close to signing the Colombian striker in the summer transfer window, and since then, the 21-year-old has been scoring goals for fun for the Midlanders.
However, that hasn’t stopped wild rumours from circulating on social media suggesting that Villa are willing to sell Duran for €60M, with PSG being the frontrunners. This has alerted a few eager reporters who are now claiming West Ham could enter the bidding… we won’t.
Firstly, it’s highly unlikely that Villa would sell an in-form striker who is scoring goals while they are in the midst of qualifying for the Champions League knockout rounds. Speculation that Duran has proved difficult to deal with and is unpopular at Villa Park is completely unsubstantiated, likely wishful thinking by those hoping to buy the forward.
In the unlikely event of Unai Emery sanctioning the sale of Duran, Villa would certainly demand far more than the reported €60M. The Villains were an absolute nightmare to negotiate with during the summer and refused to budge on their £40M valuation of the player – and that was before he became the hottest young striker in Europe.
The Hammers had their chance to buy this particular goal machine, and we blew it. We will not get a second attempt. Within five months, Duran has turned himself into a Champions League striker, and as much as it pains me to say it, he is far too good for West Ham
