During the winter transfer window Henry Onyekuru really wanted an exit from Eupen. The young forward tried to force his club to let him go, but Eupen stood firm and ruled out the possibility of a transfer.
It wasn’t all stick, there was a little carrot too. Onyekuru was told he’d be able to leave Eupen in the summer transfer window for a reasonable fee.
Fast forward to last week, and OwnGoalNigeria, who really need a more positive name, claimed West Ham had offered Eupen £7m and had that offer accepted. Personal terms and bonuses were still to be agreed, but there was confidence a deal was on the way.
Then Belgium’s DH, without a mention of West Ham, said Eupen’s asking price, which had crept up to €8m, was sliding down to something around €4-5m.
Good news for West Ham, especially as Onyekuru has already been quoted as saying: “I will be very honest with you. My dream is to play in England, and this is a chance for me to actually do it. For now, I can confirm that talks are underway for me to achieve my dreams.”
Well, that’s all been turned on its head.
Belgium’s HLN say Anderlecht have agreed outline personal terms with Onyekuru, but not a fee with Eupen, who want €8m for 70% of the player’s rights.
It’s clearly getting murky with third party ownership. West Ham may have walked away over that, and worries about a work permit.
