Gaëtan Laborde was one of the strikers linked most to West Ham United during the winter transfer window. With the Hammers very much looking for a striker in January, endless options were pushed forward, with Laborde one of the most frequent names.
Montpellier were prepared to allow their player to leave, but only if they received a reasonable fee. There was no desperation for a move, and that same sentiment was shared by Laborde and those who represent him.
Towards the end of the window, there was talk of West Ham being given a deadline to make a move, giving Montpellier enough time to find themselves a replacement before the market closed.
That didn’t happen, Laborde stayed where he was, and David Moyes looked towards the rest of the season with the attacking options he’d already had, plus the addition of Jesse Lingard on loan from Manchester United.
Laborde didn’t score through the winter window, yet in the two matches since he’s found the back of the net three times and added an assist.
L’Equipe picked him out as the Man of the Match for Sunday’s Montpellier match, as they beat Dijon 4-2. Laborde turned on the style, and the French newspaper say he seems ‘freed’ after the pressure of the market.
West Ham are likely paying attention, and Moyes will hope that striker options are lined up ahead of the summer to make sure his club can move early in the market.
