Striker Terem Moffi was subbed off for Ross Barkley on his Nice debut after snubbing West Ham as Dimitri Payet’s demise continues.
West Ham tried to sign Nigerian striker Moffi from Lorient in the transfer window but lost out to Nice.
Despite a £20m plus offer from West Ham, Lorient took the player’s wishes to join Nice over the Hammers into consideration.
And that led to the somewhat surprising late twist in the deal which saw Moffi loaned out with an obligation to buy.
West Ham supporters were excited at the prospect of signing the 23-year-old who they felt had the pace, strength and athleticism the team has been sorely lacking.
Terem Moffi subbed off for Ross Barkley on Nice debut after snubbing West Ham as Dimitri Payet demise continues
Ironically Moffi’s Nice debut came at former West Ham hero Payet’s Marseille on Sunday night.
Payet, who lit up West Ham and the Premier League during that unforgettable spell, has been consigned to a bit-part role with Marseille this season.
Moffi started up front for Nice alongside, who featured former Prem stars Kasper Schmeichel and Aaron Ramsey with Chelsea flop Barkley on the bench.
Hammers fans are undoubtedly intrigued to see how the 23-year-old Nigerian striker fares at Nice.
Well Moffi was subbed off for Barkley on his Nice debut after snubbing West Ham as Payet’s demise continues.
Marseille actually dominated for large periods of the game but ended up losing 3-1.
Moffi was not involved in any of the goals, though, and was substituted off for Barkley – who came through at Everton under West Ham boss David Moyes – with 20 minutes to go and the score at 2-1.
Things were much worse for Payet. The former West Ham hero turned villain has seen his star fade at Marseille.
And he was hauled off at half-time with the hosts 2-0 down.
Payet was handed a lowly match rating of 4/10 by Get French Football News while former Hammers target Moffi was handed a 6/10 score on his debut.
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