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Star Xande Silva was discarded by West Ham and Nottingham Forest but is quietly resurrecting his career in MLS

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Star Xande Silva was discarded by West Ham and Nottingham Forest but is quietly resurrecting his career in MLS.

There were high hopes for Portuguese striker Xande Silva when he joined West Ham from Vitoria Guimaraes back in 2018.

They were hopes they ultimately went unfulfilled as he made just two appearances for the Hammers before being sold to Nottingham Forest in the summer of 2021 for £200,000.

At the time, David Moyes received criticism from some sections of the West Ham fanbase for letting a striker with potential leave to join Nottingham Forest.

Photo by Charlotte Wilson/Offside/Getty Images

Every cloud has a Silva lining…

But Silva looked to have proved Moyes was spot on as he struggled to make an impact at Forest, making just 10 appearances – eight of them in the Championship – and failing to score a single goal.

Nottingham Forest sold former West Ham striker Silva to French club Dijon last summer and he fared slightly better, playing 32 times and scoring six goals.

Star Silva was discarded by West Ham and Nottingham Forest but is now quietly resurrecting his career in MLS.

SOCCER: SEP 16 MLS - Atlanta United FC vs Inter Miami CF
Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Star Xande Silva was discarded by West Ham and Notts Forest but is quietly resurrecting his career in MLS

Last month Silva, now 26, was loaned to MLS side Atlanta United for the remainder of their season.

And the ex West Ham and Forest flop is starting to turn heads with his performances.

Atlanta are fifth in the MLS Eastern Conference.

West Ham and Nottingham Forest fans may be interested to know Silva has scored twice and laid on two assists in five games.

But it is his all round performances that have impressed. He looks fit, strong, powerful and focused.

Inter Miami CF v Atlanta United
Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Great to see former Hammers and Forest striker starting to realise his potential

And in Atlanta’s 4-1 win over Montreal last time out, Silva was man of the match with a 9/10 rating after scoring and laying on an assist.

That is not to suggest West Ham or Nottingham Forest necessarily made a mistake letting Silva go.

Every player takes a different path on their own personal journey.

His time at West Ham was hampered when he underwent emergency surgery on his stomach.

So after the health issues he endured at the London Stadium – it is great that the forward is finally starting to realise the potential that saw the Hammers – and then Forest – take a chance on him in the first place.

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