‘Everything seemed wrapped up’ – Deal to take player to West Ham has collapsed despite agreement

Two days ago, Foot Mercato’s Santi Aouna reported West Ham United were one step away from signing João Pedro Neves Filipe, simply known as Jota, after an agreement was reached with the Al-Ittihad player.

He also stated the 24-year-old was waiting to receive the green light to secure a move to the London club.

There’s been a development in this case as Foot Mercato state the deal to take the winger to West Ham has collapsed.

The Portuguese has been restricted to a limited role this season and Marcelo Gallardo’s side wanted to get rid of him. The Middle East club were keen on signing Nabil Fekir and Real Betis were aready to part ways with the Frenchman.

It’s claimed the prospect of playing with N’Golo Kanté and Karim Benzema at Al-Ittihad was attractive for Fekir. However, they had to first let go of the former Celtic man, to make room for the 30-year-old.

Foot Mercato state ‘everything seemed to be wrapped up’ with David Moyes’ side for Jota, before the deal collapsed. There’s no explanation what went wrong, but Al-Ittihad’s failure to send him to West Ham has blocked a deal for Fekir.

This has left Al-Ittihad, Fekir and Real Betis disappointed.