West Ham plan coming together as Villa make Surprising moves
You wont believe what he did
West Ham United’s long-term ambition to sign Aston Villa’s Jhon Durán is slowly morphing from improbable fantasy into a tangible possibility, as Villa’s aggressive moves in the transfer market threaten to unsettle the Colombian forward further.
The Missed Opportunity That Still Haunts West Ham
West Ham fans are still grappling with the notion that Durán could and should have been their leading striker this season. Instead, the club’s sporting director, Tim Steidten, opted to allocate his £45 million forward budget across two different players—Niclas Füllkrug and Luís Guilherme.
Adding insult to injury, Durán came off the bench in Villa’s season opener against the Hammers and scored the decisive goal, a reminder of what could have been. Yet, his status as a substitute in that match has offered West Ham a glimmer of hope that the 21-year-old might still be attainable.
Why West Ham Still Believe in a Durán Deal
West Ham’s confidence in eventually landing Durán is rooted in several factors. Firstly, they anticipate a significant summer payday, with Mohammed Kudus expected to be sold for at least £85 million. This financial boost could enable the club to pursue the Villa striker more aggressively.
Moreover, Durán has been vocal about his frustrations. Just over a month ago, he admitted there was a real chance of a move to the London Stadium and revealed his desire to be the main striker—a role he feels he cannot secure at Villa under Unai Emery.
Relations between Durán and Emery have been rocky at times, and the Colombian’s impatience and ambition to lead the line could eventually push him toward the exit. West Ham believe this dynamic plays into their hands, especially as Villa intensifies its search for new attacking options.
Aston Villa’s Striker Search: A Turning Point?
Recent developments at Villa Park have reignited West Ham’s hopes. Despite already having Durán and Ollie Watkins competing for the striker role, Villa is making bold moves in the transfer market. They have reportedly tabled an improved bid of £15 million plus add-ons for Borussia Dortmund’s Donyell Malen. The Dutch forward, while versatile, primarily operates as a wide player but can also play centrally.
Additionally, Villa is linked with Atalanta and Italy international Mateo Retegui. According to reports from La Repubblica, Emery is keen to add the prolific striker to his ranks, further crowding Villa’s attacking options. These pursuits come on the heels of their earlier interest in PSG forward Randal Kolo Muani, a player who had also been on West Ham’s radar.
The Domino Effect for West Ham
If Villa succeeds in signing Malen, Retegui, or both, Durán’s situation could become untenable. Already frustrated at competing with Watkins for the number nine role, the Colombian is unlikely to welcome additional rivals for playing time. His fiery temperament and desire to start regularly have previously caused friction, and West Ham believe this could work to their advantage.
Villa’s ambitious moves could also make Durán more accessible financially. Should Emery deem him surplus to requirements, West Ham may finally have the chance to swoop in.
A Dream Still Alive
West Ham’s belief in securing Durán no longer seems far-fetched. The Hammers have identified him as their top striker target over the next two transfer windows, and Villa’s transfer activity could pave the way for a deal.
For West Ham, this could represent the perfect storm. With Kudus’s potential sale providing funds and Durán’s frustrations potentially boiling over, the club may never have a better opportunity to land the Colombian talent.
The saga of Jhon Durán is far from over, and West Ham is quietly preparing to reignite their pursuit. If Villa’s ambitions push him out of the picture, the Hammers could finally get their man and, in doing so, rewrite their striking fortunes.
