Bookies make West Ham second favourites to sign Carlos Tevez this summer – but could striker’s return really happen?

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Tevez spent a season at West Ham United earlier in his career.

Shanghai Shenhua striker Carlos Tevez (left)

The ambition shown by West Ham United during this summer’s transfer window cannot be called into question, with established stars Javier Hernandez, Mark Arnautovic, Joe Hart and Pablo Zabaleta all arriving at the London Stadium.

And based on Bet Victor’s latest odds things could get better yet, with the Hammers second favourites to sign their former striker Carlos Tevez from Shanghai Shenhua before 3 September.

Only Barcelona (6/1) are currently more fancied than Slaven Bilic’s side (8/1), but could the Argentine really return to West Ham?

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic

Why it might happen?

Tevez has so far struggling to live up to expectation in China, scoring two goals and providing four assists in his 11 Shanghai appearances. Homesickness could be a factor, with the 33-year-old finding it hard to get on board with Oriental cuisine and having returned to Argentina during the league’s ongoing hiatus (Sky Sports). Indeed, Shanghai’s fear that Tevez could go AWOL was evidenced by their insistence he promised not to – in writing. Having kept the club in the Premier League a decade ago, he continues to be held in high regard by West Ham supporters.

Then West Ham United striker Carlos Tevez celebrates the goal that secured the club’s safety 10 years ago

Why it might not?

The same report claims the Argentine earns £650,000 a week in China, more than four times that of West Ham’s highest paid player. And it would likely require a somewhat un-Tevez-like sacrifice for the London side to afford him. Besides, given his age, and the fact their priorities perhaps lie in other positions since signing Hernandez, the Hammers might not be that bothered anyway.

Verdict:

Unless another financial carrot is dangled, there are two likely outcomes here: Either Tevez sticks things out in Shanghai as promised, or returns for a third spell at Boca Juniors, having already admitted he misses the club and would go back ‘for the fans’. Even if the latter doesn’t happen this summer – Bet Victor are offering 12/1 on him signing for any South American club, by the way – one suspects it’s a near certainty at some stage.