OPINION
While West Ham fans love to see their club splash out on top talents – as was the case with Felipe Anderson and Andriy Yarmolenko last summer – they also appreciate the club snapping up hot prospects who can become senior stars in the future.
You just have to look at the excitement surrounding Xande Silva – the youngster originally signed for the under-23 side in east London – as well as youth graduate Grady Diangana to see that the Hammers’ tradition of developing prodigious talents into first team stars.
It is why there would likely have been plenty of excitement around the Irons faithful to see the Sunderland Echo report that their side were keen on snapping up the Black Cats’ young goal machine Josh Maja, the 20-year-old having netted 16 goals this season.
The English hot shot has been tearing up League One this season and while there is a huge gulf between the third tier and top division, he is one of the most exciting young things England has to offer.
With so many clubs chasing his capture – Celtic, Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace and Rangers among the potential suitors named – the Hammers swooping for his signing would be something of a coup, which is exactly why the fans should be fuming to hear they are not seeking his capture.
Reliable Irons news source Claret and Hugh claim that despite the rumours West Ham are not looking to take Maja to east London – a mistake that the club will come to regret.
Maja will become a top talent in the future and the quality of sides chasing him signals just what the Hammers could have if they pushed hard enough – something they do not seem willing to do.
With a new striker seemingly a priority at the London Stadium it would make sense to bring him in and give him a chance at first team football, but Manuel Pellegrini is looking like missing out on a future star.