When Wesley Fofana snubbed West Ham United for Leicester City David Moyes was left disappointed.
West Ham transfer target admits he was surprised by deal offer
West Ham were big favourites to land the French defender with a £33m bid (Sky Sports).
But the Foxes ended up swooping to sign the Saint Etienne star from under West Ham’s noses.
It was typical of West Ham’s desperate search for a top class defender during the summer. In the end Moyes had to settle for taking Craig Dawson on loan from Watford as cover.
Leicester outfoxed Hammers for Fofana
But it appears the Hammers may have dodged a bullet when it comes to Fofana. That’s after he admitted he already dreams of a move to Marseille.
A Frenchman pining for a move to Marseille not long after joining your club? Sound familiar West Ham fans?
Dimitri Payet infamously went AWOL to force a move back to Marseille just 18 months after joining the Hammers.
Payet lit up east London and the Premier League during his mercurial spell at West Ham.
Fofana impressed on his Leicester debut against Aston Villa, even if it did end in late defeat.
Payet without the flair as player who snubbed Hammers dreams of Marseille move?
But an interview from France suggests he could be the new Payet, without the flair.
“For me, today, the dream is to go as high as possible (in the game),” Fofana told Canal Football Club.
“But playing at the Velodrome was incredible, in my city, in front of my family.
“It will always be a dream to play one day for Olympique de Marseille. Why not one day, you never know.”
West Ham better off without Fofana?
With some players you have to accept your club is merely a stepping stone.
And Fofana clearly has emotional ties.
But a stepping stone for Marseille?
That just wouldn’t fly with West Ham fans.
West Ham want their successful signings to be in it for the long haul. Moyes is looking to build a young, hungry team for the future.
So perhaps the Hammers were better off not signing the 19-year-old if he is already eyeing up a move elsewhere.
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