OPINION
West Ham United need to make some big signings once again this summer if they are to build on their undoubted progress under manager Manuel Pellegrini this season.
However, their hopes of bringing in a key transfer target appear to have taken a big hit on Friday. Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that Barcelona have identified Maxi Gomez as their number one option to replace ageing star Luis Suarez.
That’s terrible news for the Hammers, who Sky Sports reported in January were in talks with Gomez’s club Celta Vigo regarding a summer transfer for the 22-year-old.
However, if Barca have truly put Gomez at the top of their Suarez-successor wish list then West Ham can kiss their hopes of bringing in the Uruguayan goodbye.
Simply put, you don’t say no to the Spanish champions, and certainly not so you can move to the London Stadium instead. No, if this report is correct Gomez will likely be playing alongside Lionel Messi not Lucas Perez next season.
It’s a shame because the Celta star seems ideally suited to the Premier League. He is a physical frontman in the mould of Alan Shearer, someone who can occupy defenders and score on a regular basis.
His form has spiralled somewhat since his failed move to West Ham last month, but that’s to be expected. Besides at 22 years of age he still has plenty of time to kick on and improve over the course of his career.
He would have been a big hit in East London, there’s no doubt about that. But it’s going to take a Herculean effort to get him to sign for the Hammers now that Barca have made him a priority signing.