As Youssef En-Nesyri scored a hat-trick against Cadiz on Saturday afternoon to take himself to the top of La Liga’s goalscoring standings, there were still articles, even in Spain, being published which insisted West Ham were continuing their efforts to sign him during January.
David Moyes’ side had been linked with various striker options even before they sold Sébastien Haller to Ajax earlier this month. That transfer saw things go into the stratosphere, and yet it’s still all felt slightly chaotic, with agents running around trying to build a deal for the Hammers.
En-Nesyri was the latest big story, and it continued despite the vast majority of reports in Spain explaining the player didn’t fancy the move. There were also claims that even if West Ham had gone as high as €40m, then Sevilla wouldn’t have automatically accepted it, feeling they could get as much in the summer.
Estadio Deportivo, Sevilla’s local sport newspaper, report manager Julen Lopetegui has shut the door ‘abruptly and loudly’ in West Ham’s face, given his prickly comments after the Cadiz victory.
Lopetegui insisted Sevilla is the right place for the striker, and dismissed suggestions En-Nesyri put on a showcase for suitors on Saturday.
Given that follows the player himself saying he wants to stay where he is, it would be very hard Sevilla to sell even if West Ham went beyond the €40m figure.
