OPINION
The West Ham board must be rubbing their hands in glee over the improvement in form of Jordan Hugill while he’s on loan at Middlesbrough.
The 26-year-old was struggling to hit the ground running upon arriving at the Riverside Stadium after joining Boro on loan from the Hammers in the summer, but things are starting to click for him under Tony Pulis.
Hugill scored twice against Wigan ahead of the international break before submitting a workhorse-like performance against Brentford on Saturday to help Boro win that fixture 2-1.
The forward’s efforts were even rewarded against Bees as he was able to get on the scoresheet, meaning he has scored in back-to-back league games in the Championship.
While Hugill’s form has improved the Hammers board are no doubt eager to find the attacker a permanent new club once his loan deal with Boro expires at the end of the season, as according to Football.London the Premier League side only signed him in January in case they got relegated.
In order for the Hammers’ board to be able to easily get rid of Hugill, whose contract runs until 2022, the player needs to impress while on loan in the Championship as his nightmare spell at the London club where he made only three appearances, is no doubt a red flag for any potential buyer.
According to Claret & Hugh Boro had first refusal when it comes to buying the 26-year-old and they will only dip their hand in their pockets if the attacker proves his worth.
Given that Hugill’s early season form for his temporary club was hardly going to attract buyers, the Hammers board will no doubt be thrilled and hope he continues doing well for Boro for their sake.
The only person who may suffer from the attacker’s improvement is Hugill himself as while he will find a new club that will give him playing time if he does well, it probably won’t be one in the Premier League.
As it stands it seems the 26-year-old’s chance of playing in England’s top-flight rest of the Hammers being stuck with him and perhaps giving him another opportunity to change their minds upon returning in the summer.
Yet if his form continues then the Premier League side will do all they can to ensure his exit is sealed and have him agree to get off the books before he has chance to resettle at the London Stadium.
Therefore the Hammers’ board must be rubbing their hands together in glee over Hugill starting to turn around his form for the better.
