In form ace has ensured “West Ham will be kicking themselves” as Irons hierarchy slammed

After making a huge number of signings in the summer, West Ham arguably haven’t had the start to the 2024/25 season that many people expected.

At present the Irons sit in 14th place having won just one of their four games so far, and the finger is already pointing at new manager, Julen Lopetegui, given that he’s continued to depend on tried and tested players rather than throwing his new signings in at the deep end.

For example, Niclas Fullkrug has found it difficult to dislodge Michail Antonio from a starting spot, and that either says that the German international just isn’t good enough, or the Hammers hierarchy have made a serious ricket in the transfer market.

The latter scenario can certainly be applied when musing on how they let Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran slip through their fingers.

With three goals to his name already this season (per transfermarkt) the Colombian has begun the campaign on fire, and he’s made the Hammers look very silly indeed in the process.

West Ham slammed over Duran transfer failure

Former Everton CEO, Keith Wyness, has pulled no punches either.

“I’ve spoken to a number of people about Duran,” he told Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast.

“He’s just been inconsistent during his time at the club so far.

“A lot of Villa fans wanted him out the door. But look, he’s shown the talent is there – there’s no doubt about it. It’s now about consistency, and to show that he’s got to get the minutes.

“Villa are lucky that between him and Watkins, they’ve got real competition. Duran is making clubs wish they made a move in the summer, he was offered to several clubs.

“West Ham will be kicking themselves. He’s done himself no harm with the start to this season.”

Duran was even pictured on social media doing the ‘crossed Hammers’ gesture earlier in the summer when it appeared he was close to joining the East London outfit, only for the club not to pay the asking price.

Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran has scored three goals in four games including a screaming winner today since that crossed Hammers photo on social media pic.twitter.com/l7zBfAx6t6

— West Ham Football (@westhamfootball) September 14, 2024

Given that he’s one of the league’s hottest properties at present, if things don’t improve for West Ham up front, serious questions are going to be asked.

Top photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images