News

West Ham United: ExWHUemployee rubbishes rumours of possible Aaron Long transfer

|
Image for West Ham United: ExWHUemployee rubbishes rumours of possible Aaron Long transfer

Presenter ExWHUemployee has revealed that West Ham United are not close to signing centre-back Aaron Long despite rumours. 

Back in January 2020, the Hammers reportedly made a $500k (£382k) offer to loan the defender until the end of the season with a $4.5m (£3.4m) option to buy him the following summer (via Sky Sports).

That bid was rejected and nothing initially came of the deal. However, rumours allegedly resurfaced in the United States recently suggesting a deal could still very much be on the cards.

However, insider Ex has since taken to The West Ham Way’s Patreon page to completely refute any possibility of this being something that is close to happening.

He explained: “There have been reports linking West Ham with a move for USA and New York Red Bulls centre-back Aaron Long. The reports even went as far as suggesting the player had flown to London to complete a free transfer move.

“We asked one source whether there was any truth and they were unaware of any move.

“The club had been very keen on the player before and have made a number of attempts to sign him in the past. Previous attempts have been thwarted by a number of factors, including his inability to get a work permit. Whilst a move then was definitely on the cards, this just seems to be a recycled rumour with no substance at this point.”

1 of 15

West Ham United fans, who were these players sold to? Starting with Felipe Anderson

TIF Thoughts on Aaron Long and West Ham…

Seeing as senior centre-back Craig Dawson was close to leaving in the summer and may well still depart in January, it wouldn’t be a shock if West Ham were eyeing up a new centre-back.

Still, it doesn’t seem as though a move for Long is likely at this stage. The centre-back currently captains New York Red Bulls and has made 35 appearances in all competitions this season, proving his value to the team.

What’s more, his contract will expire this December and could be signed for free in the winter. Regardless, the Hammers have not made any known attempts to sign him at this stage, and with his deal so close to coming to an end, you would have thought they would have done that by now if they had a genuine interest.

All in all, it’s probably safe to assume this transfer won’t be happening for now.

Do West Ham need to sign another centre-back?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article