The Athletic reporter Roshane Thomas has recently discussed West Ham United’s failed efforts to sign Duje Caleta-Car from Marseille.
Prior to the closure of the international transfer window on Monday, the Hammers had hoped to seal the arrival of the defender from the French club for around £20m (per The Guardian).
However, the 24-year-old Croatian left West Ham ‘disappointed’ as he wanted to stay with Marseille for Champions League football.
The defender, who stands at 6ft 3in (1.92m), currently has three years left on his contract with the French side and a market value of £20.7m, according to Transfermarkt.
During the latest episode of the We Are West Ham podcast, Thomas made an appearance and discussed the Irons’ efforts to seal the arrival of the centre-back.
He said: “An agreement had been made [to sign Caleta-Car] but he changed his mind, because he wants to keep playing Champions League football [with] Marseille.
“He aspires to be part of the [Croatian] side for the European Championships next summer.
“So, he’s thinking, ‘Why am I going to join West Ham when they could possibly be involved in [a] relegation scrap?’ So, there’s that.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, it appears as though David Moyes’ outfit was not an enticing enough prospect to persuade the Croatian to jump ship, despite initially reaching an agreement.
Do you think Duje Caleta-Car would have been a good signing for West Ham?
No, he's not good enough
Yes, he's a good player
And judging from the performances which the defender has delivered so far this season, it would seem that the Hammers missed out on an impressive talent.
In six Ligue 1 matches for Marseille so far this season, the 24-year-old defender has delivered a solid 7.22/10 average performance rating (per WhoScored).
The same average rating for the Irons in the Premier League so far this term would make him their seventh-best performer.
Furthermore, with West Ham unable to sign an alternative centre-back before the international deadline passed, it would seemingly be a double blow for the London Stadium club.