West Ham United were heavily linked with a move for Salomon Kalou in January but it seems they dodged a bullet.
West Ham have desperately needed another striker all season.
The Hammers have looked short up front and things have not worked out for Sebastien Haller in the lone striker role.
German publication Kicker claimed West Ham were planning a late swoop for Hertha Berlin star Kalou in January. West Ham wanted 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. Kalou was disappointed having publicly made it clear he was ‘waiting for West Ham’s call’ (Daily Star).
West Ham target Kalou turns ‘Covidiot’
And according to a report from German media outlet Bild (Live Transfer Blog, January 31st, 10:13), West Ham boss David Moyes was put off bringing the 97-capped Ivory Coast international to West Ham because of his age.
But it seems maturity has not come with age for the West Ham target and former Chelsea man.
That’s after he plunged the proposed return of German football into chaos by flouting social distancing rules and posting videos of it on social media (BBC Sport).
Kalou appeared to make light of the global health crisis live on social media. He even sang a ‘corona song’. It comes as the Bundesliga attempts to return to action later this month. The eyes of football leagues around the world, including the Premier League, have been on the Bundesliga’s return.
Kalou was ‘waiting for West Ham’s call’ but Hammers dodged a bullet
The Ivorian also filmed himself interrupting a team-mate’s test while screening it live on Facebook – an act that was branded “absolutely unacceptable” by the German league.
His actions have fuelled intense debate in Germany over the wisdom of resuming football anytime soon.
So West Ham really look to have done themselves a favour by not signing Kalou in January.
The striker has apologised. But that has cut him no slack with Hertha who have suspended him with immediate effect.
A Hertha statement read: “Salomon Kalou was tempted by his negative test results to greet the other players in the dressing room, sometimes with a handshake, contrary to the clear announcements made by health authorities.
“With his ‘Corona Song’, Kalou gave the impression that he is not aware of the extent of the ongoing pandemic.
Striker’s actions throw football return into chaos
“With this video taken inside the team’s dressing room, Kalou broke clear internal rules and displayed a behaviour, which is neither appropriate for this current situation, nor reflective of the code of conduct of Hertha BSC.
“The club has therefore made the decision to suspend the player in question from training and matches with immediate effect.”
West Ham instead signed young star Jarrod Bowen in January on deadline day.
And supporters have been excited by the start he has made.
It shows Moyes’s judgement should be trusted. And his vision to build a new look West Ham around young, hungry, energetic players is the way forward.
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