According to a report from Mundo Deportivo (Saturday July 25th addition, page 4), West Ham boss David Moyes made an enquiry for Barcelona defender Samuel Umtiti at the start of this month. And some Hammers fans have taken to Twitter in reaction to the speculation.
In other news…Report: Moyes to press ahead and attempt to wrap up deal for £20m ‘priority’ target
The Scot will undoubtedly be on the look out for a new centre-back this summer.
Despite his brilliance this season, Angelo Ogbonna is now 32. Meanwhile, Winston Reid and Fabian Balbuena face uncertain futures at the London Stadium.
Samuel Umtiti in action for Barca (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
But in truth, West Ham prising Barca ace Samuel Umtiti away from the Camp Nou seems highly unlikely.
Not only because of the French World Cup winner £45 million valuation (Sport), but also because he just doesn’t fit the profile of the kind of player Moyes wants to bring to the Hammers.
Samuel Umtiti (Photo by Diego Souto/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
The 26-year-old is incredibly injury prone. He has only played 13 La Liga games for Barcelona this season. In those outings, Umtiti has won just 0.8 tackles and 1.6 aerial battles on average per game (Who Scored).
The Frenchman is clearly not the player he once was. And even if West Ham could afford him, they should steer well clear.
Some Hammers fans have taken to Twitter in reaction to the claims suggesting that Umtiti is a target for David Moyes this summer…
Oh great … welcome masuaku mark 2 🐕🦺💩 .. if he’s any good do u thing barca will let him go . Not the way forward 🙈
— Andy norris (@Andynor18525970) July 25, 2020
this is insane
— Stephen George Lott (@stephenlott) July 26, 2020
Linked with every players despite pleading poverty 🤦🏻♂️
— Matthew (@mattyattree) July 25, 2020
Ffs no! He’s old and injury prone
— Mick Giles (@HAMMERSFAN4LIFE) July 25, 2020
Ain’t a chance we ain’t got any money😂
— Cdog⚒ (@consmith26) July 25, 2020
He’s finished. Wilshere and Carroll levels
— Phil Rees (@Namtooni) July 25, 2020
Is this a joke ?.
— Buder (@Perezrudi) July 25, 2020
Above budget and injury prone
— Haitham 🇸🇩 (@esWWOXS1dvFhR1P) July 25, 2020
Be surprised if that happens
— Santa Cruz (@CristianoCruzJ) July 25, 2020
I registered my interest in Virgin Galactic… But, when I saw the price I was no longer interested.
— 2Dubya ⚒️ (@CouchPotatoUK) July 25, 2020
Going to Everton then 😂
— #GSBOUT (@aplin87) July 25, 2020