The whole West Ham United and their pursuit of Maxi Gomez thing is getting a little tedious now.
The Hammers have been chasing the Uruguay international for what feels like an eternity now, however, they do not look as though they are getting any closer to securing his signature.
There have been so many twists and turns in this particular transfer saga that a best-selling novel with so many plot twists would likely be jealous about.
In January, it appeared for all the world to see that the transfer would have taken place as West Ham were thought to have been close to completing a deal for Gomez, however, Celta de Vigo pulled the plug amid fears regarding their La Liga safety.
Now, six months down the line and the story regarding the Hammers and the 22-year-old forward does not appear to be going away. If at first, you do not succeed, try, try again as the famous saying goes.
According to Sky Sports, Manuel Pellegrini’s side were finally thought to be getting close to his signature when it was claimed a £29million offer was accepted, however, days (if not a day) later, Spanish outlet Faro de Vigo said that could not be further from the truth and that it had in fact been rejected. Thinking about it, that £29m figure looks to low to have ever been accepted and we will explain why later.
In amongst all the palaver, Valencia were thought to have been closing in on his signature although Mundo Deportivo claimed that they were starting to cast their eyes elsewhere as they started to grow tired of the negotiation process with Celta – tell us about it!
A recent report by Fichajes claimed we had reached an agreement with Gomez regarding contract demands, but yet a fee is still yet to be agreed.
Now, that’s where we come back to the £29m that was allegedly accepted. Surely, it was always highly unlikely that Celta would have accepted that offer for a player who has been so important to them and one that they know they can generate a bidding war for.
The 22-year-old scored 13 goals and provided five assists in 35 appearances in La Liga last season, according to Who Scored; he netted 18 the year before so he has shown he can be prolific in a top league (Transfermarkt). He was the 13th highest goalscorer in the division despite his side finishing in 17th, just four points above the relegation zone. It would not be a surprise if the release clause of £43.5m will have to be met to allow Celta to let him leave and the Evening Standard appear to be suggesting that is what it will take.
But, despite all that going on, West Ham should stick with their desire to bring Gomez to the London Stadium as he has all the ability to take the Hammers to another level. His goal tally was better than anyone else currently at the club and the South American has all the ability to continue to improve and get better, whilst the same cannot necessarily be said regarding some of the current crop of players – making their pursuit of a deal all the more worth it.
The Irons are no strangers to a long-drawn-out transfer saga though either, with both Carlos Bacca and Alexandre Lacazette being two of their high-profile disappointments in recent years, whilst one of last season’s stars, Felipe Anderson, saw his transfer from Lazio go back and forth like an even boxing contest.
It is highly unlikely a deal will be completed before the end of the Copa America as Gomez is on international duty with Uruguay, however, West Ham are surely due a bit of luck in the transfer market when it comes down to acquiring their main attacking target, so perhaps they’ll strike lucky at the third time of asking if they continue to wait it out.
West Ham fans, how big a signing would Gomez be? Join the discussion by commenting below…
