Report: Sullivan Attempted to Bring Controversial Former West Ham Player Back on Deadline Day.

David Sullivan has been deeply involved in West Ham’s affairs over the past few weeks.

The Hammers’ co-owner made a significant managerial change early in the January transfer window, dismissing Julen Lopetegui and appointing Graham Potter as his replacement.

Despite the high expectations surrounding the window, West Ham ultimately secured only one signing—Evan Ferguson from Brighton.

However, they also recalled James Ward-Prowse from his loan spell at Nottingham Forest on deadline day.

Most fans and analysts agree that the club needed one or two additional signings to fully support Potter in his bid to achieve his objectives for the remainder of the season.

It now appears that Potter had the chance to strengthen the squad further, particularly in attack.

Interestingly, one of the potential signings was a player nearing the end of his career—someone with a complicated history at West Ham and not the most popular figure in East London.

Sullivan Attempted a Deadline-Day Return for Former West Ham Striker

Sullivan has a reputation for offering a variety of strikers to his managers, often players suggested by agents.

However, more often than not, these are aging players who have already experienced their peak years.

This time was no different. According to Sky Sports Italia, West Ham made a surprising last-minute attempt to re-sign Marko Arnautovic from Inter Milan on transfer deadline day.

Such a move would have undoubtedly sparked strong reactions among fans. However, Arnautovic ultimately remained at Inter, while West Ham proceeded with their deal for Ferguson.

It is reasonable to assume that Potter declined the chance to bring Arnautovic back when Sullivan presented him with the option.

Arnautovic’s Complicated West Ham Past

During his initial spell at West Ham, Arnautovic was a key player, but his departure in 2019 was highly contentious.

His brother and agent, Danijel Arnautovic, shocked Hammers fans in January 2019 when he publicly stated that the Austrian forward wanted to leave the club.

Just months later, Arnautovic secured a transfer to Chinese Super League club Shanghai SIPG for a reported £22 million (The Guardian).

While in China, he earned a staggering £200,000 per week (Daily Mirror), but his time there was short-lived.

He eventually returned to Europe, signing for Bologna before making the move to Inter Milan.

Despite the controversy surrounding his exit, few can deny the impact he had at West Ham.

The Austrian forward registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 65 appearances, often leading the attack single-handedly with remarkable performances.

Would Arnautovic Have Been a Good Signing?

West Ham could certainly use a player like Arnautovic in his prime right now.

However, bringing him back at this stage of his career would have been a questionable decision.

With Potter and Kyle Macaulay now overseeing West Ham’s recruitment strategy, the club appears to be focusing on young, talented players with significant potential.

This shift suggests that the days of signing aging stars on short-term deals may be over.

Perhaps Evan Ferguson will grow into West Ham’s next talisman, following in the footsteps of Arnautovic—but with a much more stable and long-term impact on the club.