West Ham have reportedly made a second bid of £57 million for Jhon Duran, according to the Daily Telegraph.
This move feels like a classic David Sullivan strategy—making a bid for a player they’re unlikely to sign with funds the club seemingly doesn’t have, only to claim, “at least we tried.”
In the summer, Duran might have been available for £40 million, but West Ham instead opted for Fullkrug and Guilherme, spending £47 million combined.
That decision could now cost Tim Steidten his job. Aston Villa value Duran at over £80 million and are unwilling to sell, making this pursuit futile. It’s time for West Ham to shift focus.
Instead of chasing established stars, they should target younger, emerging talents.
On that note, there’s some promising news. The Guardian reports that Graham Potter has brought in Kyle Macauley, his former analyst at Ostersund, Swansea, Brighton, and Chelsea, for compensation of £1.5 million.
While Macauley won’t be taking up a forward position, he’s expected to play a key role in recruitment if Steidten departs.
Macauley’s track record includes Brighton’s impressive signings, such as Moses Caicedo (bought cheaply and sold to Chelsea for £115 million) and other profitable transfers like Trossard, Bissouma, Maupay, White, Burn, and Mac Allister. This gives fans some reason for optimism.
Meanwhile, reports suggest West Ham are close to finalizing a deal for OH Leuven midfielder Ezechiel Banzuzi.
At 19, the Dutch midfielder fits the profile of a young, developing player, and his £11 million price tag seems affordable.
Hopefully, this signals positive movement in the transfer market for the Irons.
