All has now become clear as to why David Moyes snubbed a £25m West Ham move for new Spurs man Yves Bissouma.
90 Min claimed Bissouma was on West Ham’s radar ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window last month.
But Claret and Hugh confirmed subsequent reports that Hammers boss Moyes rejected the chance to sign Bissouma from Brighton.
Strengthening the central midfield department was a top priority for West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
Bitter rivals West Ham and Tottenham will likely be competing against one another for the European spots again this season.
So fans of both clubs keep a keen eye on the transfer business being done behind enemy lines.
Many West Ham fans were staggered to learn Moyes had turned down the chance to sign Bissouma.
Here Moyes was reportedly being offered one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League on a plate and allegedly turning his nose up at him.
Some Hammers supporters were incredulous when Tottenham then swooped to sign the Mali star for a bargain £25m.
Moyes has previously stated he wants to keep Declan Rice at West Ham by impressing the talisman with top signings as the Scot continues to build a side around him at the London Stadium.
And in an interview last season West Ham star Rice named Bissouma as one of the best central midfielders he has faced.
So it was baffling for some West Ham fans – and presumably Tottenham fans too – that Moyes turned down the chance to sign the all-action Bissouma.
With his energy, incredible drive, tenacious tackling and impressive array of passing, Bissouma seems to have all of the ingredients needed to become one of the very best box-to-box midfielders in the game.
In 26 Premier League appearances for Brighton last season, he averaged 2.9 tackles, 1.9 interceptions, 1.8 clearances and 1.3 dribbles per game. He made 45.7 passes per match on average with a hugely impressive completion rate of 89.2% (WhoScored).
On the face of it, Spurs looked to have got one over on West Ham with the capture of the 25-year-old.
All now becomes clear why Moyes snubbed a £25m West Ham move for new Spurs man Bissouma, though.
Because this week Moyes sealed a move at half that price for an Englishman who is statistically one of the best defensive midfielders in the country.
Not only is he two years younger and £13m cheaper than Tottenham new man Bissouma, but he is a West Ham fan to boot.
West Ham signed Flynn Downes from Swansea for £12m.
Bissouma is undoubtedly a real catch for Spurs and will surely prove a quality signing.
But there is nothing like having one of your own in the side.
Downes is among the best in the country, in any division, at breaking up play and passing.
He ranks well above the average in a host of key areas.
The new West Ham signing has 93% progressive runs, 97% forward passing success and a remarkable 99% possession adjusted interceptions.
Downes is at 95% for passes, 95% for passing accuracy and 95% passes into the final third success.
West Ham’s new arrival also has 84% for passes to penalty area success and is above 80% in a host of areas including offensive dual success.
West Ham are getting one of the best young central midfielders around.
And it all now makes perfect sense why Moyes snubbed Tottenham’s new boy.
MORE WEST HAM NEWS
David Moyes talks up three transfer deals with more on the way.
£13m forward linked with West Ham to be left off club’s 2022-23 squad list.
Moyes hints at more West Ham signings from one league in particular.
Nolan drops encouraging transfer claim about Moyes and West Ham’s owners.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
