West Ham hit another low with embarrassing Jhon Duran transfer
Despite Aston Villa resolutely rejecting every transfer approach for Jhon Durán during the summer 2024 window, the Colombian striker remains one of the most discussed names in the football transfer market as 2025 begins. The 21-year-old forward has attracted significant attention thanks to his electrifying performances this season, and it’s no surprise that top clubs are circling. Among them, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have emerged as serious contenders, reportedly eyeing Durán as a potential replacement for Randal Kolo Muani, who is expected to depart the French capital.
Intriguingly, another familiar name has re-entered the race for Durán’s signature: West Ham United. According to Football Insider, the Hammers have tabled a fresh bid for the in-demand striker, offering £50 million to Aston Villa. The bid comes on the heels of Durán’s impressive start to the 2024/25 campaign, during which he has already netted seven goals in just 600 minutes of Premier League action.
However, West Ham’s offer has been widely criticized for its inadequacy. The £50 million proposal is seen as a lowball figure, particularly given Durán’s skyrocketing market value following his stellar performances. Industry experts believe the young forward is worth at least £80 million in the current market, especially considering the inflated transfer fees typical of January deals. This offer, many argue, fits a pattern of questionable transfer tactics from West Ham’s co-owner David Sullivan, who has a history of underwhelming bids for high-profile targets.
West Ham’s pursuit of a striker is undeniably urgent, particularly after Niclas Füllkrug suffered a significant injury during their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa. The German forward’s absence has left the Hammers with a glaring void in their attack, a problem compounded by their already lackluster form this season. While there are several viable striker options available within West Ham’s budget, their focus on Durán appears misguided, especially given the unrealistic nature of their bid.
Adding to the frustration is the fact that Aston Villa had already set a firm price for Durán over the summer, a figure that has since doubled due to his outstanding performances. Submitting a bid lower than Villa’s previous asking price not only undermines the negotiations but could also strain relations between the clubs. Critics have slammed West Ham’s approach as an insulting and unserious attempt to secure a player of Durán’s caliber.
This misstep has only fueled the growing dissatisfaction among West Ham supporters. The club’s poor start to the 2024/25 season, compounded by the failed tenure of manager Julen Lopetegui and a series of questionable summer signings, has left fans disillusioned. Moves like this ill-fated bid for Durán do little to restore trust or instill confidence in the club’s leadership.
For many fans, West Ham’s transfer strategy appears more like damage control than genuine ambition. By submitting an offer that was almost certain to be rejected, the club’s hierarchy might attempt to pacify supporters by claiming they “tried” to sign a marquee forward. However, such a transparent ploy is unlikely to win over a fanbase that has grown increasingly frustrated with the team’s lack of direction and ambition.
As the January transfer window progresses, West Ham’s decision-makers face mounting pressure to deliver results both on and off the pitch. Whether they can secure a viable striker or continue to flounder in their attempts remains to be seen. For now, however, their pursuit of Jhon Durán looks less like a bold move for a future superstar and more like a miscalculated gamble destined to backfire.
