Dean Ashton has claimed that West Ham fans will be wanting to see a bit more from Domingos Quina after Barcelona were reportedly interested in his services.
The former Hammers player stated that after seeing the 18-year-old midfielder linked to such a high profile club then Hammers supporters will be wondering why they haven’t seen much of the player.
Ashton stated that Hammers fans have patiently waited to see Quina given a chance at their club but that in his opinion when the midfielder has featured, he didn’t really shine in his appearances.
“West Ham fans have been waiting for him to get in and have his chance,” said the 34-year-old who now works for Sky Sports, as quoted by the Daily Express.
“I know he came in at times and played last season in other competitions, not Premier League. He did OK without really shining.
“He did very well at youth level but to suddenly hear that maybe Barcelona are looking at him, West Ham fans are probably saying ‘hang on, we need to see him a bit more!’.
“So it would be a real shame if that was to be the case because every single supporter of any club wants to see young players come through into the first team.
“Clubs have to work harder to get these players in. They’re so important.
“So hopefully he gets his chance at West Ham. And if not, what a move (to Barcelona) that would be!”
OPINION
It was quite the surprise this summer when Barcelona were thought to be about to hold talks with the Hammers over signing Quina, as reported by Sky Sports, when the club only saw the talent as being worth only £600,000. However perhaps the Hammers’ valuation was more based on the fact that the hardly-seen teen’s current contract is set to expire next summer rather than an assessment of his talent. Although since Barcelona’s pursuit has been reported it seems like Ashton is more likely to get his wish that Quina will get an opportunity under Manuel Pellegrini at the club. This is because according to the latest Sky Sports’ report on the Portuguese starlet’s situation, the Hammers are keen to secure his future by handing him a new deal. This surely must be a sign that the midfielder, whose current deal earns him £8,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac) is in line to appear more for the senior team in the near future. So far Quina has made only six senior appearances for the Hammers despite continually looking fantastic for Portugual’s U-19s and U-20s.
