OPINION
West Ham signing attacker Jordan Hugill just seems to be a blunder that keeps getting worse with time.
Football Insider reported on Monday that the Hammers were ready to sell the 27-year-old in January with Championship clubs likely to be keen due to his red-hot form for QPR this season.
Hugill has impressively averaged a goal every 142 minutes in the Championship this season, as per the BBC, by scoring six goals in nine league outings while on loan with QPR, so it’s easy to imagine West Ham having clubs lining up to make an offer for the forward.
The 27-year-old hasn’t just impressed by hitting the back of the net for QPR either but has shown he has the physical attributes to help a side battle their way to a positive victory as he has won 3.2 aerial duels per match on average. (Source: WhoScored)
So when you consider that a proven in-form goalscorer who could handle playing in the Championship would boost a side’s promotion hopes in January if recruited, as goals win games, it seemed like the Hammers could be on to a winner and be about to get a respectable fee for Hugill.
However, that isn’t the case according to Claret & Hugh.
The reliable Hammers outlet state that a bid in January was extremely unlikely for Hugill due to his £32,000-per week pay packet, even though an offer for the attacker could be forthcoming due to his form.
Claret & Hugh then report that Hugill could be sold in the summer for a knockdown fee despite his recent form, with his wages set to be a key factor in any deal, and the Hammers are surely kicking themselves.
West Ham gave Hugill such a big contract, that hasn’t proven worthwhile given he has only managed three appearances for the Hammers, that even when he’s wowing, they still have to consider selling him for a cut-price to get him off their books.
If the Hammers had just given him a more reasonable wage until he proved himself in the Premier League when signing him from Preston North End in January 2018, he surely would have still been keen to join due to the step-up, then his current form would be a reason to cheer.
Yet it seems instead, that West Ham are resigned being full of regret over Hugill as while his loan spell is going well at QPR, it’s still going to be a struggle getting anywhere near the £8million they invested in his services. (Source: Football. London)
