West Ham Insider: Update on Ansu Fati transfer
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West Ham are unlikely to pursue a move to sign Barcelona star Ansu Fati in the January transfer window, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who worked as a senior scout at the London Stadium until leaving alongside David Moyes in June and remains very well-connected there, exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old’s injury issues are a “huge concern”.
Fati is widely expected to leave the Nou Camp this month after he was left out of their squad for their last four games as reports say the decision will rest with the winger.
The Hammers are among several English clubs to have been linked with a move, after he spent last season on loan in the Premier League with Brighton.
Fati’s ability to play on both wings, as well as through the middle as either an attacking midfielder or a striker, has made him a potential option in the January window.
However, he struggled to impress in his 27 appearances with the Seagulls as he started just nine of those, scored four goals and provided one assist.
West Ham unlikely to pursue Ansu Fati transfer this month
Injuries to Jarrod Bowen, Michail Antonio and Niclas Fullkrug have left the Hammers short of options up front, and they are expected to enter the transfer market for reinforcements.
Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, insisted that Fati may have been on their radar, but they are likely to move in favour of alternatives.
“I wouldn’t expect West Ham to sign him,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s a dangerous move, because wherever he’s been he’s had injury issues.
“That’s a huge concern, especially when you look at the injuries they’ve already had this season.
“He didn’t exactly shine at Brighton, and now Barcelona want to let him go because they don’t think he’s going to do it for them.
“So on what basis would West Ham think he’s the right player for them?
“I’m sure they’ve been watching him, but he hasn’t been playing for Barcelona and he didn’t play all that often for Brighton last year either.
“I can see why, on paper, they might be interested – but in reality he doesn’t match up to that.
“They’re more likely to move for other targets, because they’ve been assessing all sorts of players.”
In other news, West Ham unlikely to sign Carlos Soler permanently.
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The post West Ham Insider: Update on Ansu Fati transfer appeared first on Football Insider.
