Over the past few months, there have been hints that West Ham, who are on the verge of selling Sébastien Haller to Ajax Amsterdam for a loss, would be in the market for a new striker.
The Ivory Coast international’s exit all but confirms that, and it appears that, if rumours are to be believed, Montpellier’s Gaëtan Laborde could be his replacement.
The striker has put in some great performances in Ligue 1 this season, with claims of the Hammers being willing to pay up to €12m plus bonuses for the player.
That offer has yet to be made, however, as Montpellier’s president, Laurent Nicollin, explained his star forward’s situation to Le Figaro in France.
He said: “No one at the club as an exit pass and I don’t have any offers. When I’ll have a bid on my desk, I’ll be able to think about it. What’s certain is he’ll leave one day. Will it be this winter, this summer, in January 2022? I have no idea! Or he’ll finish his career with us. I can’t tell you”.
Now we know where things stand for Laborde, and it appears West Ham might have been waiting for the money from the Haller sale to be able to make their move for Laborde.
Either way, previous reports suggested that €12m + bonuses bid was in the works, so we’ll be keeping an eye on the situation, with Marseille also said to be keen.
