According to a report from German media outlet Bild (Live Transfer Blog, January 31st, 10:13), David Moyes decided not to pursue a move for Hertha Berlin forward Salomon Kalou because of the former Chelsea man’s age.
The Hammers desperately needed another attacker on deadline day, but despite adding Jarrod Bowen to the squad, they have been left incredibly short up front.
Sebastien Haller has failed to settle since making his £45 million summer move from Eintracht Frankfurt, with just six goals to his name in a West Ham shirt thus far.
German publication Kicker claimed on Friday that the Hammers were planning a late swoop for Kalou in order to provide the Frenchman with more support in the final third.
A move to east London obviously failed to materialise for the 34-year-old, however.
And according to a report from German media outlet Bild (Live Transfer Blog, January 31st, 10:13), Moyes was put off bringing the 97-capped Ivory Coast international to West Ham because of his age.
Right decision
Kalou is obviously well past his best. A winner of the Premier League, Champions League and four FA Cups during his time with Chelsea, the 34-year-old was once a very useful player.
But he has obviously declined physically over the past year or so.
Kalou has made just five Bundesliga appearances for Hertha Berlin this season, scoring only once in the process (Transfermarkt).
This represents a huge decline from the last two seasons, where he scored 20 goals in 61 Bundesliga games (Transfermarkt).
Returning to the Premier League now at his age, having spent so long away from England, would have been a hugely difficult thing to do for Kalou.
West Ham made the right decision not signing him. That’s not to say that they should not have pursued other, younger targets, however.
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