West Ham United are open on a shock return to the club of Marseille’s attacking midfielder Dimitri Payet and supporters are keen to see that move for the player materialises.
The Mirror have revealed that wages may be a stumbling block in any potential sensational comeback but the board are prepared to support their manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is keen on having the 31-year-old back at the London Stadium.
Despite the fact that the Frenchman left the club under a cloud less than two years ago after he refused to play for them so desperate was he to leave, many fans are thrilled on Twitter to hear about Payet’s potential return.
The midfielder ended the season at the top of the Ligue 1 assist chart, alongside Brazilian superstar Neymar, with 14 assists.
Here is a selection of some of the best reactions on social media from supporters after hearing the news:
— Glen Ashdown (@Glenashdown) July 6, 2018
If this is 100% true, WTF! ??
— Shannon • shanylou (@shanyloublog) July 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/Mettythehammer/status/1015183813406752768
I’d have him back in a heartbeat! Can you picture our attacking line up. Chicharito, Arnie, Payet, Antonio, Masuaku and Jack Wiltshire!!!!
— Manny (@fa1rygodfather) July 6, 2018
If this is true ? ALL DAY LONG !!
— ? E20 HAMMER ? (@Under5ives) July 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/CHRlSTOPHEER/status/1015224373584842752
This needs to happen…broke so many hearts when he left but broken promises and other issues didn’t help. #wewantpayet
— James Kavanagh (@kav_20) July 6, 2018
https://twitter.com/yorkyhammer/status/1015315366707331082
https://twitter.com/Mario4President/status/1015180253256396800
OPINION:
It is a huge surprise to see that supporters are by and large in favour of the Frenchman’s return. Payet was adored by the East London crowd prior to his transfer from the club but he left in a bitter transfer after refusing to play and it left a bad feeling – that would be quickly forgotten if the 31-year-old got off to a flyer in the Premier League though and judging by some of the reactions many of them have already forgiven him anyway. If he could continue in the same rich vein of form from his time in the French top-flight then West Ham know the quality that the midfielder can offer – but if it’s money driving the transfer, then the Hammers may be better off looking elsewhere for a player who just wants to play for the badge instead of the size of their bank balance.